Auxiliaries 23 bidding ensued between one and another and was sometimes brought to a sudden end by late new bidders closing the deal. It was great to see a number of younger couples supporting the event. We need input from the younger generation with their fresh imagination and ideas to get involved and to encourage others of their age group to get involved too. The work of Pilgrim Homes During the meal, Bryan Jarvis, Chairman of the Auxiliary, and General Committee member gave a short talk on the work of Pilgrim Homes over the years. A rolling presentation giving details and the locations of the various homes was shown on a large screen prior to and during the meal. The evening proved to be a fun time for all. Some folk seemed to get carried away with the bidding and no doubt their bank balance has suffered severely. But, never mind, after all it was for a good cause. The fi nal amount raised was about £ 3000.00, which was a successful result, and we thank the Lord for all those who helped in any way towards making this such a success. If anyone would like to try a similar venture in their area, please contact Bryan and Gill Jarvis, who will be happy to share details with you. Email bryan. gill2@ btinternet. com

Pilgrim tales 24 It was always a family thing. To begin with, Pilgrim Homes is a ministry fi rmly based on God's Word and including all of the family of God. When managers Phil and Sally Willis were called to Wellsborough 15 years ago, they viewed residents and staff as their family of faith. The passing years have seen many changes and now Phil and Sally have said it is time for them to move on. Part of the Family Moves on . Deborah Steiner Their team management at Wellsborough brought together their complementary gifts. Sally had managed sheltered housing and Phil had been a paramedic. There was a need to streamline the sprawling site at Wellsborough and some buildings were closed with other premises being used more fully. During their time of management, Phil and Sally have gone through the full spectrum of three different regulatory bodies. Yet the scheme has a regular infl ux of new residents. Wellsborough offers an especially welcoming atmosphere with visitors and new residents alike feeling very much at home. Sally recalls, ' Before we came here, for several years we had felt the Lord wanted us in His service. Yet we stayed where we were. Then when Pilgrim Homes asked us to work for them, we knew it was right as we felt the Lord was leading us to work with older people.' The Willis family included two young children at the time, their son Stephen and their daughter Samantha. The children also felt part of the extended Pilgrim Homes family. During their formative years, they became involved and, as they grew older, even took on work in the home as students. Over the years, changes at Wellsborough have included technology which benefi ts everyone. Late resident John Wadsworth donated a powerpoint projector. Now DVDs, CDs and projected videos have become an important focal point for progr-ammes. Technology always plays a role in ensuring the safety of residents with dementia who need to be protected from harm. There are a number of safeguards in place, including electronic gates. Another trend, though not so hi- tech, has been the increasing number of en- suite rooms. Some buildings which had been unused are now part of the homely environment. When John and Gwenda Wadsworth found getting out to church was becoming too