Under a beautiful warm spring sun, residents, staff and relatives at Heathlands Village mingled in the picturesque gardens and wereætreated to a Yom Ha’atsmaut afternoon tea with blue and white cupcakes, bunting and cloths.
Live music, by husband and wife duo, Encore, and the beautiful Israeli style weather encouraged residents onto their feet with plenty of dancing to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Jewish state.
Carrying on the Independence Day theme, the following day, the home welcomed pupils from King David Junior School to celebrate the 6th Annual Care Home Open Day.
The UK-wide initiative – with this year’s theme of Linking Communities – aimed to attract people – especially younger ones – into care homes to demonstrate that they are friendly, happy and exciting places to be.
Twenty Year 5 pupils joined residents for an Israeli pitta and falafel lunch, swapping stories and chatting away.æ Proving that age is truly just a number, Miriam Fields, aged 104, engaged enthusiastically with her young guests about playing chess and draughts. Meanwhile, Daphne Levine and Sol Gicht delighted in hearing about them talk about their æcurriculum and school life.
Following lunch, the pupils and residents made their way into the gardens, where the front lawn was transformed into a school playground and residents enjoyedæ watching the youngsters’ antics.
Later the guests were joined by a large group of fellow pupils along with their parents and grandparents. The children were led by music maestro Carol Jason in entertaining the crowd with a medley of English and Hebrew songs.
Activity Centre Deputy Manager Nick Burgess said, “The KD kids were a real hit with our residents – they sat and chatted like old friends. They put on an outstanding show – which they do every time they come to Heathlands Village. All in all, a fantastic afternoon.”
Below are more pictures from a wonderful day at Heathlands Village (click for full size resolution):
