It was a beautiful day in every respect last Wednesday August 16 at Peasmarsh Place care home, a day to remember and blessed with clear blue skies, glorious sunshine and a gentle breeze.
The day had finally arrived for the eagerly awaited annual summer party. Residents, their families and friends and the hardworking staff all had the opportunity to take part, let their hair down and enjoy themselves.
Organising such an event is like a small scale military operation. So much had gone on behind the scenes in readiness for the big day, but thankfully the weather couldn’t have been better, so the ‘plan B’ wet weather arrangements didn’t need to be actioned. Instead, the day started with guests being greeted on arrival with refreshments and the opportunity to meet other family members, residents and staff but in the background a few surprises had been organised for all to enjoy.
Sue Forman, the recently appointed activity co-ordinator was in charge of the sports day races and, with all the props at the ready, it was time for the fun to begin! Sheltered under sun shades and watched from the south facing sun terrace, the residents enjoyed a morning of fun and high jinks and what better way to begin but with an old fashioned egg and spoon race. After a few dry runs it became fiercely competitive and the audience cracked up when only only a few of the plastic eggs were dropped.
Sue’s megaphone came into its own as she announced the next event: running with a book on your head, a novel (sorry) idea! This sounds easy, but try it, it requires a little skill and balance but great fun. The finish line was made of bunting sewn to elastic which allowed it to give when the winners ran in to it. The bunting had been hand made by the residents by cutting out material triangles which were then sewn onto the elastic and was a colourful addition to the days proceedings.
Running in pairs with a balloon between you and your partner caused a great deal of hilarity, especially as the only way to do it is to run sideways. To top that, the next race involved running backwards, not easy (although the youngsters present found it very easy) but again great fun, the contestants being spurred on by the residents waving their hand made pompoms like cheer leaders from the sun terrace.
No party would be complete without a three legged race, so, tied together with men’s ties at their ankles, the contestants (mainly staff) set off to shrieks of hilarity. They convulsed in laughter as they headed towards the finish line. More events followed, then it was time for lunch.
We were treated to a spectacular selection of hot and cold food, all prepared and cooked in-house by Tina Richards and her team. So much thought and preparation had gone into making us all feel inclusive, catering for all tastes and tolerances and with soft and alcoholic drinks for all.
The raffle raised a total of £132 thanks to generous prize donations from William the Conqueror pub, Rye Harbour, The Hub on Rye Hill, Jempson’s Peasmarsh, Little Gate Farm, Beckley and the Rye Heritage Centre.
This special day concluded with live music from Miss Holiday Swing as she entertained with her lovely voice, from the front lawn, her repertoire being very much appreciated by many who were able to sing along to tunes which brought back special memories.
And so, after a full-on day the Peasmarsh Place summer party was judged to be a huge success. The beautiful setting. stunning grounds and surrounding countryside reminded me in many ways of the TV series, Darling Buds of May and in the immortal words of Pa Larkin, everything was “ just perfick”.
A special day at a very special place where genuine care, serenity, professionalism and a happy atmosphere all go hand in hand on a daily basis.
Image Credits: Sue Forman , Nick Forman , Miss Holiday Swing .