Silver Anniversary
Celebrating its Silver Anniversary this year, Brendoncare has been really caring for older people for 25 years. In that time, much has changed both within the care sector and within Brendoncare itself, but some things have remained unaltered, crucially our commitment to older people.
On 14th February 2009, Brendoncare celebrated its 25th birthday and it was a very special day with a Foundation-wide Silver party which involved residents, relatives, club members, volunteers, staff and supporters. Overall, our Silver Anniversary celebrations and activities raised £7,625. Our 10 care centres generated £2,290 between them, every club in Dorset and Poole raised money, making £1,668, and clubs in Hampshire raised £3,307. A great all-round effort, so sincere thanks to everyone who took part.
Taking each care centre in turn:
At Alton, there was a Ritz-style Silver service tea dance, a raffle and the care centre also opened its doors to the local community for the day. Special cakes were baked by talented baker, Greta Tubb and the Mayor of Alton, Cllr Atul Patel, attended. They were pleased to raise £136.
Woodhayes held a Silver lunch party with games, a cake stall and raffle and a 'Silver' cake. Cllr Norman Shiel proposed the toast and cut the celebration cake with resident, Mrs Isobel Richards. Staff, volunteers and residents were delighted to raise £342.
At Stildon, there was a Silver-themed street party lunch, with a musical recital, a raffle and the planting of an anniversary rose by John Sapwell, Chairman of the League of Friends, and Chief Executive Ron Staker. As it was Valentine's Day, the room was decorated with red roses, and residents were presented with a single red rose. And Ron Staker cut the anniversary cake with Helen Strong RGN who has been a Nurse at Stildon for 25 years. They also organised an Easter raffle for the Silver appeal and have raised £125.
Ronald Gibson House held a celebration tea party with cakes, fete stalls and a raffle and raised £182. A 'birthday' cake was baked by Head Chef, Ian Wight, and Peter Stewart joined staff to celebrate the occasion.
Froxfield held a Silver tea party which was enjoyed by everyone. And the team were delighted that their auction raised an impressive £400 - it certainly had some unusual items for sale, most notably Silver Skin Onions! The auction was followed by a Valentine's tea and the cutting of the anniversary cake by Jimmy Davies, a Froxfield supporter/husband of a resident, with Emma Digance, Fundraising Manager.
At Knightwood, residents dressed up in their glad rags and enjoyed 'Tea at the Ritz', beautifully prepared by the kitchen team and served by the fabulous group of volunteers alongside the staff. Entertainment was provided by the Methodist Church Choir and their pianist. Over £300 was raised on the day.
Chiltern View became a casino for the evening. The cards spun across the table, the roulette wheel turned and the home raised over £100. A number of future fundraising spectacles were also proposed, to hopefully make a great contribution to the Silver celebrations.
At Park Road, a Silver tea party was enjoyed by everyone with delicious cakes made by Chef David Higgins, musical entertainment provided by Colin Dean, a resident's son, and a raffle which raised over £100.
'Flog it' was the name of an auction held at Meadway, which raised the fabulous figure of £420. Residents, relatives and staff gathered in the sitting room to bid for an excellent range of lots, led by Auctioneer Maurie Bone. Culminating with a lovely tea, it was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
At The Old Parsonage, a Silver street party ensured a good time was had by all, with plenty to eat, singing and a fabulous cake. A raffle raised over £160.
Within the Clubs division, many clubs have achieved great results while also having plenty of fun. With so much going on we can't mention everyone, but here's just a flavour of what's been organised in Hampshire:
Winchester Friendship Club held a Bring & Buy Sale, Badger Farm Friendly Club hosted a dressing up party and raffle, and Weeke Gaiety Club arranged a tea party as did Andover Riverside Club, combined with a 'sweets in jar' competition. Southsea Friday Club held a bingo session which was opened to the public, Stubbington Luncheon Club held a Golf Marathon and Bordon Monday Club raised £50 with a raffle. Southampton Coffee Shop Club held a raffle and members filled fundraising pots, while the Southampton Thursday Club held a bingo afternoon, an American lunch/party and a Bring & Buy Sale. Together the two clubs raised over £200. Get Together New Milton Club held a tea party and musical afternoon, Purbrook Friendly Club sold pens, Swanmore New Age Club held a Silver party and raffle and the Gosport clubs raised £245 through a Silver raffle and beading workshop.
Solent Friends Club arranged a Silver Bring & Buy Sale, made a mile of Silver coins, and Club Leader Jack Wilcock was sponsored to have his Silver locks shaved off. The weather in February was not warm, so this was a truly generous gesture of support for Brendoncare, thank you Jack. The club raised £160.
Many other Hampshire clubs held events while others have made a donation to the appeal.
Meanwhile in Dorset and Poole, raffles were held by Brownsea Club, Evergreen Club and Harbourside Club while Halfway Monday Club and Juniper Jumpers held Bring & Buy Sales. Riverside Club organised a tombola, Sunrise Club held a Fish & Chip night, and Haviland Club, Waterloo Sunshine Club, Haven Club and Penny's Friendship Club all took part too. Alpha Club, Castle Club and Curzon Springers Club all have fundraising activity planned.
Finally the Whistlestop Club saw Branch Manager, Tony Hanson and his team organise a sponsored walk in West Moors village raising £483 and attracting quite a bit of attention with their unusual attire. Not one to hide in the shadows, Tony was dressed as a South American Gaucho!
Throughout the anniversary year, many activities and celebratory 'Silver' themed events will be held to mark this noteworthy milestone: Brendoncare's 25 years of really caring for older people.