Music-loving residents have welcomed the return of one of their favourite entertainers after two years of only seeing him online due to the pandemic
Christchurch-based pianist and vocalist Simon Woodley performed live here at Brook View and Kingfishers in New Milton, Hampshire, for the first time since spring 2020.

The in-person show was a particular treat for our resident Freda Sherwood, 91, who used to have the same piano teacher as Simon and is a long-standing fan of his playing.

Freda was a regular at Simon’s weekly Skype sessions during lockdown and was thrilled to see him back playing live in the residents’ lounge, even joining him at the keyboard for a brief duet.
“It was wonderful to see Simon again,” said a smiling Freda, who likes to practice classical pieces on the home’s two pianos to the delight of fellow residents and staff.
Our Companionship Team Leader Sarah Moule said: “If Freda is at a piano, she will smile and sing. It’s the same when she sees Simon play.

“When lockdown hit, Simon was one of the first entertainers across the Colten Care group to suggest doing Skype music sessions.

“Freda always looked forward to them each week but you can’t beat having music performed right there in front of you.
“It was a joy to see her face when Simon appeared in person once again, set up his keyboard and invited her to sit with him and play a few notes.”
Simon, who performed a selection of residents’ requests including jazz standards, songs from the shows and classical pieces, said: “Skype was all we could manage during lockdown so it was lovely to return.

“I’ve been playing at Colten Care for around ten years and I am chuffed to bits to be back again.”

Freda and Simon were both students of the late Bournemouth-based pianist and teacher Terry Shade.

A dazzling afternoon of ballroom and Latin dance performances has brought back happy memories for a former dancer
Joan Whelan was even inspired to revisit a few moves herself under careful guidance from our staff.

The show by Bournemouth dance duo Just the Two of Us – otherwise known as Tanya Hutton and Graham Cooper – was organised specially for Joan after she expressed a heartfelt wish to see a live performance and possibly dance again.

Tanya and Graham describe themselves as ‘social dancers’ and have been performing seriously for around three years, giving them the confidence to dance in front of care home residents.

Here at Brook View, they split the afternoon into two sessions.

The first focused on ballroom and featured demonstrations of waltz, quickstep, foxtrot and tango while the second was devoted to the Latin rhythms of rhumba, chachacha and jive.

Their soundtrack, played over a smart speaker, featured well known tunes such as Nat King Cole’s Let There Be Love and Brenda Lee’s Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.
Asked what she thought of Tanya and Graham’s dancing, Joan said: “It was absolutely spot on. I give it a definite thumbs-up.”
Joan, whose favourite dance is the foxtrot, had dance lessons when she was growing up in Birmingham and went on to perform in a troupe that went on national tours, taking in hotels, village halls and seaside resort venues.

After retirement and a move to Ferndown, Joan continued to perform at events such as community tea dances.

After their show and taking time to help Joan revisit some dance moves herself, Tanya and Graham said the visit had been hugely enjoyable.
Tanya said: “It just goes to prove that dance really is for everybody, no matter your age. Dance is a great way to maintain your physical and mental wellbeing as you get older while having fun at the same time. It can be both invigorating and therapeutic.”
Graham agreed, adding: “You’re never too old to try out a move or two. We loved meeting Joan and the other residents and hopefully brought back some happy memories for them.”

Sarah Moule, Brook View’s Companionship Team leader, said: “Joan used to perform on stage in lots of different shows and had expressed a wish to dance again. We were only too pleased to make it happen for her.”

Prize pooches were on parade as Brook View held a charity dog show
Our home staged the event as a fun experience for residents and to raise funds to help disabled people in the community.

Staff and residents’ families were invited to bring their pets along to enter classes such as Loveliest Lady, Most Fabulous Fella and Waggiest Tail.

To help with the judging, team members invited dog lover and resident Patricia Upshall to cast her expert eye over the competitors.

After declaring Maison as winner of the Fabulous Fella category, Patricia, who used to breed Dachshunds and belonged to the Kennel Club, said: “It was a different experience to what I’m used to, but it was great fun. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole afternoon.”

Also among the competitors was Ellie the greyhound, our new Pets as Therapy dog.

Our Companionship Team Leader Sarah Moule said: “Our last community dog show was a couple of years ago and we have been so keen to welcome back such happy, family-friendly events.
“Our residents love dogs. They really help to bring joy and company to people.”
The show was held in support of The Friends of Dolphin, a charity that provides free boat rides from Poole Harbour for people with disabilities.