Polar News Number 38 Feb 2007

As the Polar Bears have supported CHAS for some time now, I thought I would like to visit Rachel House in Kinross. Earlier in the year I had registered my interest with their office and later received a formal invitation for up to 4 people. Bill Niven accompanied Mike and I. It is possible to view Rachel House only on one of the two days when it is closed to families when the care team have in-house training days in October.

After signing in, our group of 8 visitors were welcomed and the conducted tour began downstairs in the family lounge with connecting dining area and kitchen. The playroom had drawers and cupboards full of anything a child might wish for, from toys to art materials. Their work was displayed on every available space. Increasing numbers of teenage boys are visiting and a special teenage room with computers and music centres has been opened. The extraordinary sensory room was filled with colour, lights, smells and sounds. There is also a small pool.

Each child’s room becomes a home-from-home with their favourite posters or toys awaiting their arrival. Special hoists are discretely stored behind cupboard doors and mobile bathing facilities can be brought into the room if the child is unable to be moved to the specially equipped bathrooms. Should a sibling wish to stay in the same room then this can be arranged.

One wall in the curving corridor was covered with photographs – one of every child who has been cared for during the 10 years Rachel House has been open. Those with a butterfly attached denoted that child’s death. The Rainbow Suite of rooms, with its own separate entrance, is used by families when their child has died at the hospice. Staff are on hand to help with funeral and other arrangements – whatever support the whole family requires, this will be provided.

While there are 8 bedrooms downstairs for children, their families are accommodated upstairs. From every room there is a view of the beautiful landscaped gardens complete with playground which has accessible swings for the children to enjoy, regardless of their needs or abilities.

Families can visit for up to 5 days at a time, 3 times a year. This gives the parents and any other children time to relax, knowing that the ill child will be looked after. If that child is well enough visits outwith Rachel House can be arranged – T in the Park is a big event for some of them and an even bigger event for the staff who have to organise numerous passes as well as transport.

This was at times a moving and emotionally draining visit but what came over most clearly was the invaluable service which the care teams provide. Rachel House is a bright, uplifting, special place and provides an amazing level of support. Their families can depend on the team for care, comfort and understanding. The fact that many of them keep in touch even after their child has died says it all.

Fiona invited her neighbouring Polars round to a New Year Get-Together at her house in Edinburgh. An enjoyable evening was had, lots of mulled wine and scrumptious food was consumed and there was a testing quiz on Bear matters - won by John Vance, pictured, with Wendy and Harvey second! It was good to meet with other Polars and get to know them a bit better - so Many Thanks to Fiona and Mike.

A group of Polars spent an enjoyable weekend at Kirby Lonsdale with tours round the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. Huge amounts of food and drink were consumed, many of the female Polar Bears acquired Alpaca cardigans and Keith celebrated his big Six ‘O’ birthday. The weather made some car journeys fairly interesting (see photo of Tony up to the axles in water) - but a good time was had by all!

Karen Niven has finally taken a decision - it’s the Porsche Boxster S!

Apparently Jim Harris’ Lotus is actually car 368 - I must have lost one somewhere along the line!

Finally, Kathy Catchpole has treated herself to a new Mazda 2.0S Roadster and, from the photo it looks like she even lets Pete sit in the driver's seat.