2nd resident dies during consultation period

I used to stop and chat to this lady when I visited mum. She sat near the entrance - Tiddles, the cat, would usually be nearby. Like many elderly people she loved animals. She was not very well and would sometimes say how worried she was that she may have to move out of Bowles Lodge.

We will never really know the real impact that the uncertainty of this consultation is having on the residents but I will miss her welcoming smile and I'm sure Tiddles will miss her assuring strokes.

How sad - why not let them live in peace?

UNISON fight Kent County Council proposals too

No-one knows how many people could lose their jobs as a result of the proposed shake-up of residential care for the elderly in Kent. There may be the possibility of redeployment but nothing is certain and with the public sector cut backs there are bound to be redundancies.

The staff in each home are working hard to ensure that this uncertainty does not impact negatively on the residents and day centre attendees but it is taking its toll on them. Although our focus is on our relatives we never forget the people who care for them daily and how vital their role is in their health and wellbeing.

Plans are being made for a protest march through Maidstone in late September - an opportunity for staff, relatives and supporters to show their solidarity - watch this space!

Diggers arrive at Bowles Lodge

Yesterday local residents and elderly people attending the Day Centre contacted me to say how shocked and upset they were at the site of diggers and workman arriving at Bowles Lodge!

It seems they are digging holes - maybe to test the ground to see the type of foundations that may be required if the new two-storey building gos ahead.

Kent County Council have said time and time again that this is a consultation but this kind of activity, that must cost money, is another indication that plans seem to be far advanced.

Evidently they will be there again today so, if you have a camera pop down and grab some evidence!

Text of one of the Courier articles below

Hundreds join debate to save vital care service

VILLAGERS crowded into Hawkhurst Primary School last Thursday night for a public meeting to discuss the future of Bowles Lodge care home.

Around 200 villagers listened to what Kent County Council's Graham Gibbens and Margaret Howard had to say about the future of the vital service.

Mrs Howard, director of commissioning and provision for West Kent, told the meeting that social care had changed over the last 20 years as "people live for a great deal more time and need a great deal more care".

The audience was told the council's reasons for change were people, buildings, cost and care.

The panel was quizzed over the fact that Bowles Lodge is no longer taking new residents or day care users.

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• GT Beverage Unveils New Beverage Alternative for StudentMrs Howard said: "I think it would be entirely inappropriate to decide to admit someone on a long-term basis when the longterm future of the home is under question."

Tunbridge Wells borough councillor for Cranbrook Linda Hall said moving residents would be "too disruptive", and added "when you move people who are 90 to 100 they die".

Mrs Howard assured people the transition would be "seamless" and said: "If it's done carefully, individually and over time, people do thrive."

Thrive Many villagers asked whether other sites could be used including Hawkhurst Castle and Swattenden.

Since the meeting, the county council has confirmed one of its own sites - or that of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council - could be used for the development.

County council spokesman Mike Sherbourne said: "The site would need to be large enough with no restrictions on development.

It would need a strong likelihood of obtaining full planning permission and it would need to be available by October 2011."

He added: "Hawkhurst Castle is not owned by Kent County Council so can't be used. The Swattenden site is not suitable because it is in use by Kent Highways Services, would not be expected to get planning permission and is away from community resources."

KCC are carrying out a consultation until November 1 to look at provision of care across the county. The council's proposal is to close the Bowles Lodge care home in September 2011 and demolish it in order to build extra care housing on the site that would be completed by 2013.

The county council's public questionnaire on older people's provision is available from www.kent.gov.uk/opfutures and paper copies will be distributed to interested groups and parties.

Bowles Lodge staff have been out in Hawkhurst with a Unisonbacked petition calling on the council to "withdraw its proposals and to make a clear commitment to retaining directly provided residential and day care services for older people."

Local campaigner John Porter has started a blog: www.bowleslodgestays.blogspot.com

Two stories in Kent & Sussex Courier

Relatives meet to plan next steps

We gathered this afternoon to reflect on how the campaign was going and what our next steps would be.

There have been some worrying developments like the fact that the Day Centre is not accepting any new people. We understand the reasons for not accepting any new permenant residents into the home until a decision is made but do not think it should apply to the Day Centre too. This is a VITAL LIFELINE to so many people who are socially isolated.

The next phase of our campaign is being finalised so expect to hear about what, how where and when... after it has happened. Our intention is to make the greatest impact through careful planning, strategic thinking and canny tactics in order to achieve our goals that BOWLES LODGE STAYS! - both the excellent home and Day Centre.

We will be meeting again in September to plan the next phase of our campaign. Date and venue will be sent to all relatives.