Archive for the ‘Community’ Category

Helping or caring at Rose Lodge is not always exclusive to certain people. One could argue that it is especially powerful when coming from a fellow resident.

Relaxing tense muscles… 

Sorting out a stuck shirt…. 

Pushing a trolley with picnic lunch …..

Helping a friend in a wheelchair ….

Rose Lodge residents were on stage this weekend for the second year running, as part of ‘Wish upon a star’ show directed by Maslen George. It was a fantastic show with contributions from the wide range of drama classes that Maslen runs for children and adults including people living with learning disabilities or dementia. This year many more of our residents were on stage compared to last year, performing individually, and together in a very jolly ‘London knees-up’. Personally I would rather put pins in my eyes than perform on stage so I have the greatest respect for anyone with the courage to perform in public, and to just have such riotous fun!

There are tremendous benefits to these kinds of events. It gives people who enjoy performing on stage the knowledge that they are making a contribution to their community. But it also makes us consider how we think about people with dementia. Perhaps they are not as vulnerable and dependent as we sometimes think. If they can do things that we would never do willingly, perhaps our respect grows and it makes us wonder what else they can do with a little support. The answer is just about anything.  I think we will draw the line at skydiving though.

On the other hand…WHY NOT?

Maslen has once again succeeded in putting together a wonderfully inclusive and pioneering  show, and we are very happy to be part of her happy drama family.

our new pond cover, pergola, and dovecote

Phew we got the garden ready just in time for the grand opening party. The new bright blue pond cover was fitted on Monday, and our dovecote came on Tuesday. Seven of us did the finishing touches on Tuesday, ready for the party. The Mayor of Exmouth and pupils from the Beacon School officially opened the gardens and then we did what we do best – enjoy ourselves ! – Chanda entertained with some of the ‘old songs’ while we chatted and danced. We were very lucky with the weather – a perfect afternoon.

With a ot of  help!

Thank you Lynne, Pam, Angela, Corinne,Gemma, and especially Barry and the congregation of St John in the Wilderness for helping so many of the residents to enjoy the wonderful Carol Service today. Merry Christmas!

The children at the Beacon School inivited us to their nativity play in the church today. We loved it and afterwards we had a cup of tea and some mince pies upstairs.