Braemar Lodge Summer Garden Party
Our annual Garden Party, scheduled for Saturday, July 1st, required significant preparation and involvement from the entire home to ensure a truly special event.
Meetings were held, plans were drawn up, and tasks were assigned to coordinate the teams and produce everything needed to make this afternoon memorable. Seating, shelter, food, drink, entertainment, stalls to browse, raffles, and lucky draws were all organised.
Residents worked alongside members of the Red Team, including Jane, Helga, volunteer Sue, and our wonderful gardener Sarah. Together, we made lavender bags and decoupage plant pots for the plant stall. Generous donations were received for raffle prizes and the bottle stall.
Volunteer Hugh and residents Pam Sharpe, Anne Miller, and Diane Wilson wrapped a total of 85 bottles, some filled with water and some with wine, for the bottle stall—an impressive task!
The Yellow Team members, James, Martin, and Debbie, along with Jayne and Emma from Reception, Tanya our lovely Customer Support Advisor, and Ian, worked diligently to set up gazebos, arrange seating and tables, and add finishing touches like bunting and signage. Staff members contributed by holding stalls selling homemade gifts, jewellery, cards, handbags, brooches, scarves, and more.
The weather was initially overcast, but by 2 pm, the sun emerged and shone upon us for the remainder of the day. Jackie, our Home Manager, welcomed everyone to the event, and the Garden Party began.
The afternoon was a delightful blend of fun, games, browsing, glasses of Pimm’s, sumptuous cream teas, and lively conversations. Our incredible Care Team, available staff, and volunteers brought residents to the garden, and when joined by family members and guests, the estimated attendance exceeded 120 adults and children.
At precisely 3:30 pm, Home Manager Jackie announced the winning numbers for the raffle, which resulted in many individuals taking home fantastic prizes. Local musician Hamlet Peter provided the entertainment, singing and playing throughout the afternoon, receiving much appreciation from our residents, their families, and guests. A heartfelt thank you and well done to everyone involved in making it a fantastic afternoon.
As an additional note, we are delighted to announce that we have raised between £500-£600 for our chosen charity, Guide Dogs.