‘Amazing lady’ Erika, 99, follows in Madonna’s footsteps to strike a pose
A 99-year-old dance lover has spoken of her ‘excitement and joy’ after she teamed up with a professional tutor for a routine based on Madonna’s flamboyant 90s disco hit Vogue.
A 99-year-old dance lover has spoken of her ‘excitement and joy’ after she teamed up with a professional tutor for a routine based on Madonna’s flamboyant 90s disco hit Vogue.
A 90-year-old care home resident stepped out to enjoy the ‘hard to believe’ thrill of joining a community pride parade waved on by thousands of well-wishers.
Patrick Haddingham, who lives at Avon Cliff in Bournemouth, donned his finest jacket and took to the streets for the annual Bourne Free celebration.
It was the second year in a row that Patrick has joined in the parade with support from care companions.
He said he was ‘pleased as punch’ to take part once again and, on his return to Avon Cliff, expressed his gratitude to carers, saying: “Thank you for making this possible for me again. It’s hard to believe that I can do this at my age, and I look forward to doing it again and again.”
Companionship Team Leader Elise Woolnough said: “We took part in Bourne Free for the first time last year at Patrick’s request. He has attended many Pride events in his life.
“Our appearance was such a hit with residents and other people attending the event, we and Patrick were keen to make sure it becomes an annual outing for us.
“Patrick turned 90 earlier in the year and what a way to start this milestone age by stepping out onto the streets of Bournemouth in his best jacket ready to celebrate this joyful and important event.
“We were keen to make an even bigger impact this year so collected more rainbow accessories and even our minibus had a makeover with Pride-themed stickers and eyelashes on the headlights.
“We are already planning our appearance for next year and look forward to taking part for many years to come.”
Dawn Street, another Avon Cliff resident who was in the parade, said: “I was looking forward to this since the moment it finished last year. The atmosphere is amazing and it is wonderful when people wave at you and cheer you on.”
The annual Bourne Free parade was established by members of the LGBT community in 2004 to celebrate and promote equality and diversity in Bournemouth.
Charity leaders, neighbours and community friends were among 25 special guests at a rooftop terrace party to welcome the new manager of Bourne View care home in Poole.
Gemma Parkin has taken over the reins of the art deco-themed home after two years in other care and management roles with Colten Care.
She was the centre of attention as residents and guests chatted over canapes in the evening air and enjoyed live classical music and film themes performed by the Dorset String Quartet.
The get-together helped to raise more than £200 for the Diverse Abilities charity which runs the next door Langside School.
Weymouth-born Gemma, previously the Home Manager of The Aldbury dedicated dementia care home in Poole, said: “Our rooftop party was a huge success.
“Community members, residents and relatives had a wonderful time. We are proud to work with local charities and will continue to support Diverse Abilities in the future.”
Mark Powell, Chief Executive of Diverse Abilities, said: “Blessed by beautiful weather, the residents and guests had such a pleasant experience in a truly fantastic building and with an incredible team.
“It was a lovely evening with the proceeds contributing to the important funds we need as a charity to support people with disabilities.
“We can’t thank the Colten Care team enough for their support and the work that they do.”
As well as Gemma, the event served as a community introduction to Bourne View’s new Clinical Lead, Sherry Hufano.
Residents at the home spoke afterwards about how much they enjoyed the party.
Peter Prior said: “It was lovely. The staff went to so much trouble. Everything they do is always perfectly done. I particularly enjoyed the music and the canapes were delicious.”
Muriel Brown, who attended with her daughter Barbara, a classical musician, said: “It was a lovely evening. Everything just flowed and was very relaxed. The food was superb and we were able to chat to people around us. The music was wonderful.”