In order to raise the profile of Abbeyfield and the wonderful work it does for so many, the Abbeyfield Society re-launched its awareness raising Abbeyfield Week for 2009, running events from 6th -14th June.
A number of events took place across the country with many being joined by members of the Abbeyfield executive management team. Below we hear their experiences of these great events supported by some wonderful images.
Members of the executive team had a wonderful week meeting residents, volunteers and staff across the country at various events, saying how wonderful it was to join in the festivities and see the hard work that goes into raising Abbeyfield's profile by such dedicated people.
Coffee mornings were a popular event seeing members of the executive management team enjoying some delicious home baked scones and lots of cream cakes. Staff and volunteers at all events really entred into the spirit of Abbeyfield week by running "bring and buy" stalls and holding raffles to raise funds.
Strawberry teas also took place in Beccles and Baisingstoke attended by Abbeyfield's Chairman Michael Staff who expressed his thanks for the gorgeous gooddies and was impressed at how well supported all events were by locals and in many cases by the Mayor.
One of Paul Allen's, Abbeyfield's CEO, visits took him to Abbeyfield House, New Malden where they took the opportunity to celebrate the care homes 10th anniversary during Abbeyfield week with a champagne party. Paul said there was a tremendous atmosphere of celebration and while there he met some of the founder volunteers and some relatives of past residents, who spoke very highly of the care given to their loved ones. Manager Paula Windmill had arranged a small band so staff and residents alike were able to dance - including Paul himself!
In Cumbria Tim Chaudhry, Development Director was entertained into the evening at the Abbeyfield house, Cockermouth. This musical event was full of variety including singing, piano playing, violin and a mix of duets, recitals and hymns, Tim said "It was an excellent and entertaining evening."
A cheese and wine evening was waiting for John Crisp, Director of Housing, at the Abbeyfield house, Hexam where staff and volunteers provided a great spread of English and continental cheeses, washed down by new world wines and fresh juices. As with many of the events held the cheese and wine evening was well supported by volunteers and friends as well as having a visit from the Mayor and a choral group who sang a variety of 'old favourites'.
For Abbeyfield week Priors Court which is rarley open to the public held a summer garden opening in the beautiful period garden in aid of the Abbeyfield houses in Gloucestershire. Groups of Abbeyfield residents had lunch and afternoon tea in excellent weather, with all visitors being able to enjoy the fine gardens in the best of conditions.
Nintendo, the multinational games corporation were also involved with Abbeyfield, during Abbeyfield week . They had visitied a number of Abbeyfield houses to introduce the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS Lite to older people. Mark Gleeson, Membership Director joined them at Grove house, Ilkely where they ran two sessions for residents giving them the opportunity to play a number of games on the DS Lite handheld consoles from Sudoko to memory tests, but they could also try skiing on the Wii fit board. A great time was had by all.
Over in the the Isle of White a Mad Hatters Tea Party was in full swing at the Clifton house. More cream cakes were on offer and with a small admission fee raising over £50 with further funds coming from the popular raffle.
Abbeyfield week has been a great success raising the profile of Abbeyfield through a variety of events from coffee mornings and strawberry teas to musical evenings and vists from Nintendo.
The support Abbeyfield has received from the local communities in which they operate shows a strong connection at a local level. Abbeyfield week is all about local events, run by local people in various local communities. All those involved in organising and supporting the festivities have done themselves proud and we look forward to more fun and cakes next year.
Thanks to all who gave their time and effort for Abbeyfield week.