November 14th saw the club invited to join Inner Wheel ladies at their meeting in Kilconquhar Castle. After an enjoyable meal we heard from Nikki Neesam on behalf of Erskine homes. 

At this time of remembrance it was very moving to hear that 2016 is the 100th anniversary of the founding of Erskine. Following its founding and by the end of October 1918, some 3,450 patients had been admitted to Erskine Hospital – which a century later has grown to become Scotland’s foremost provider of care for veterans and their spouses. There are now four homes with 343 single en-suite rooms in total, of which 119 beds are specifically for dementia care.

Nikki explained that Erskine’s strength lies in the very special blend of dedicated care, compassion and understanding offered to residents and their families.  They care for over 1,000 residents each year, providing veterans with the companionship of like-minded people.  Erskine not only cares for their veterans – they care about them. As Nikki said, our Service personnel display the highest levels of bravery and courage throughout the world, and it is only right that Erskine is there for them should they in turn need support. 

We heard that Erskine has to raise £8.9 million each year to support veterans in their care - that’s £173,000 each week.

The statistics are impressive:

• 500kg of laundry is processed by the Erskine Laundry Department every single day and run 24/7.
• Some 300 volunteers give up their own time to help our veterans.
• Over 80,000 families have benefited from Erskine since it was established.
• Each year 5,475 stimulating recreation sessions are provided to help make a difference in veterans’ lives.
• In a year there are 136,875 friendly ‘good mornings with a smile’!

At the end of her talk Nikki was presented with a cheque for £400 – an addition to £300 or so of support already provided by Anstruther Inner Wheel Club. More about Erskine can be found at www.erskine.org.uk