Woking Day Care client’s enjoy a Charleston-Tastic time celebrating our 120th Anniversary

Graham-Finch-and-Beryl-Norman-with-Manager-Fran-Simpson

The care team and clients at Woking Day Care celebrated our 120th Anniversary this year. The Day Care, which supports people living with dementia and other age-related conditions – put on the glitz and glamour and enjoyed a ‘Roaring 20s’ themed Summer Party.

“On Friday 8th August, we transformed the day care centre into our very own 1920s speakeasy,” said Fran Simpson, the Manager of the service. “The care team pulled out all the stops and dressed as authentic Flapper Girls and the clients were also dressed to impress. One client who regularly attend the day care service, Beryl Finch, changed things up and dressed as a 1920s gangster, complete with a false moustache and suit braces.” 

“Knowing how much the clients love music and dancing, to start the 20s festivities, Fran and the care team got everyone on the dance floor for a Charleston dance class,” added Shirley Bradley, Friends of the Elderly’s Head of Day Care Services. “The care team had researched the dance moves and rehearsed the routine to make sure they could lead the clients in the dance. Their Charleston Swivels would have definitely received a ten paddle from Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood, they were swive-tastic.”

“The clients thoroughly enjoy all our meaningful activities and certainly love a good party. As they really do love all genres of music, we thought they would really enjoy a 1920s Flapper Party to celebrate Friends of the Elderly’s landmark 120th Anniversary,” continued Fran. “They absolutely adored it. Everyone was up, laughing, joking and Charleston-ing away.”

Woking Day Care Team

Following the Charleston dancing, the clients tucked into a delicious and healthy buffet lunch and themed refreshments, before taking their seats for the afternoon’s entertainment. “Talented singer and performer, Paul Hudson from Mack Entertainment, transported the clients back in time, serenading them with a great variety of songs from the ‘Golden Age’ of entertainers. The clients are very fond of The Rat Pack, and Paul didn’t disappoint, as he brought Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior to life,” added Fran.

The clients knew the famous songs, the legendary tunes and melodies and were carried back to the bygone, magical and elegant era – to be honest, we were all swept away.” The clients and care team joined in with the singing and all had a wonderful time.

“In between the songs, Paul also played an interactive game with the clients. Everyone had to roll a dice and if anyone rolled a six, they won a special prize. This is just one example of how we work with entertainers who share our commitment to support the wellbeing of the clients,” added Shirley.

Woking Day Care Manager, Fran Simpson (left) with Chief Executive, Rachel Hill and the Care Team

“The 1920s Charleston Party was a huge success; the clients are still talking about it in our regular reminiscing sessions. I have learnt quite a few things about the decade from the clients as well, including the fact that John Logie Baird gave a public demonstration at Selfridge’s in London of his first television in 1925 and that in 1924, the first newspaper crossword puzzle was printed in the Sunday Express.

“We’re now planning our next party and talking with the clients about what they’d like the theme to be. The winning idea, so far, is for a Spooktacular Halloween Party, so instead of Flapper Girls and sharp suited guys, we’ll be seeing witches, ghost and all things spooky,” concluded Fran.

 

Find out more about Woking Day Care by calling 01483 753652 or emailing enquiries@fote.org.uk