A lovely, happy afternoon with so many lovely shared stories around the tables. This was the first in a series of four art sessions led by Barbara. Today’s session involved tying memory knots in lengths of yarn, which we will be progressing over the next 3 sessions.
Building on last year’s experiences, the group continued to thrive and adapt to the the ever-changing situation. We enjoyed many Zoom sessions with guest visitors – Lorna Hill of Dunbar’s ‘Sharing A Story CIC’; Karell Sime, Volunteer at Dunbar’s Empire Gardens; Koren Calder from The Scottish Book Trust; Sandra & Rachel from ‘Age Scotland’. We also enjoyed Cookery Demonstrations from ‘Vegetarian for Life’, as well as Bingo Sessions with our Volunteer, Beth.
Outwith our Zoom sessions, we delivered delicious homemade soups (thank you to Rita Bradd for the tatties!) to our Carers’ households; enjoyed one-to-one meetings and walks when possible; delivered Easter treat bags and continued to provide telephone support for our members.
At the end of June we cautiously resumed face-to-face meetings, observing Scottish Government safety guidelines. What a joy to meet each other again. We enjoyed chair exercise sessions with Chris, another visit to Dunbar Community Woodlands and The Backlands; Afternoon Tea at Winterfield Golf Club; Fundraising Afternoon Tea Parties for both Macmillan and Maggie’s Centre, Edinburgh; a creative writing session with Lorna Hill; card-making sessions with Beth; celebrated Book Week Scotland with poet, Stuart Patterson; Christmas Decoration making with Marion Seath of ‘Fingers & Thumbs’ and ended the year with a sumptuous Christmas Lunch at the Winterfield. Oh what fun we had!!
A lovely afternoon had by all at our annual Macmillan fundraiser. Belts were loosened after a sumptuous spread of savouries and cakes, as well as Maggie’s legendary meringues! Just over £300 was raised for Macmillan – huge thanks to everyone in the group, plus friends, for making this such a great afternoon.
Another wonderful outdoor group meeting was held at The Backlands – one of our favourite venues over the years. The gardens were looking beautiful, and we had a lovely time pottering around and taking in all the colours and scents of the flowers. A great time had by all.
Since the end of June 2021 our wonderful group has been meeting weekly in the Bleachingfield Centre, where we have so enjoyed getting back together in person, enjoying each other’s company and friendship. So far, activities enjoyed by all have included a poetry session, chair exercises and a wonderful trip to Lochend Woods with an event lead by the Dunbar Community Woodland Group. Looking forward optimistically but cautiously to several other outdoor and indoor events, ever mindful of the need to take care.
