Another busy, bright and enjoyable Summer spent in fine company. New members galore, and some lovely outdoor get-togethers playing Petanque at Winterfield, our annual visit to Amisfield Gardens and a lovely outing to Ratho on the Seagull Trust barges. We enjoyed a picnic and a lovely Afternoon Tea at Winterfield, while our Moving Forward Group enjoyed a visit to the National Gallery of Scotland on `The Mound and lunch at Winterfield.
We had interesting talks from both RNIB and the British Red Cross, while Ruth and Chris kept us fit with their wonderful Zumba and Chair Exercise/Relaxation classes. We also had some happy singalong sessions with local singer/songwriter Alex Hodgson. Happy Days indeed!
Lots of new members joining as there has been a big transition this year, with the loss of several of our beloved friends since the start of the year, and some moving on into care outwith the home. New members have settled in, and we have enjoyed making new friends and hearing their stories.
We had wonderful news from Dunbar Grammar School when students Arissa, Orla and Eleanor won the YPI award, winning a wonderful £3,000 for our group. Local man, Calum Fairbairn set out on a 10 day hike of North East Scotland, raising £968 for our group, which was enhanced by a grant of £250 from Tarmac, Dunbar.
We enjoyed a visit to The Ridge & Backlands Gardens and also Amisfield Gardens; looked after our wellbeing with Chair Exercise and Chair Zumba and raised funds for Project Linus and Lammermuir House at two of our famous fundraising afternoon tea parties. Lots to look forward to………….
The year got off to a great start in 2026, welcoming new members, making new friends and trying new activities. A great mix of fun events, from Burns’ afternoon celebrations, crafts, Zumba, Chair Exercise as well as being entertained by local Singer/Songwriter, Alex Hodgson, to hosting a fundraising tea party in aid of Lammermuir House. We also tackled more serious issues when Age Scotland Training Officer, visited, as well as a visit from ELHSCP Community Engagement Officer.
Our Zoom sessions were brightened up with visits from Community Engagement Officers from the Royal Collection Trust at both Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Our Moving Forward Group had a lovely lunch at Winterfield Golf Club, and an amazing Afternoon Tea at The Wishing Tree, Dunbar. Loads to look forward to as Spring starts.
The fantastic weather during the Summer was the icing on the cake for our outdoor activities, with visits to Lauderdale Park for Petanque and an outing to Amisfield Gardens. Our Moving Forward Group had a great day out in Eyemouth, with Fish Teas and ice creams galore, and enjoyed a visit to local drama group’s (DADADA) production, at West Barns Village Hall. In September we all went off to Ratho for another cruise on the Seagull Trust barges – a great favourite. We also held fundraising Afternoon Tea Parties in aid of St Columba’s Hospice, raising £250, and for Macmillan, raising £300.
The Autumn months saw us enjoying Poetry readings on National Poetry Day, as well as our Halloween party. Throughout the seasons we enjoyed our regular Chair Exercise/Relaxation sessions, as well as lively Zumba sessions. We were also entertained by Dunbar Ukulele Band and Gullane Community Ceilidh Band. We then settled into Winter with a fantastic Book Week Scotland event, with author Fiona Valpy (organised by Lorna Hill of Sharing a Story CIC), Christmas Craft sessions and a wonderful finale at Winterfield for our Christmas Lunch. The Moving Forward group also had several lunch outings and a trip to the Panto in Haddington.
Zoom sessions ran throughout the year when we, sadly, came to the end of our Spanish lessons at the end of August, but enjoyed talks from the Royal Collection Trust at Windsor Castle and several cookery demonstrations from Vegetarian for Life.
Another great year when we can look back fondly at shared memories for our Carers of times spent with lovely memories of old friends, while honouring the loss of several group members who all brought their own magic to the group. New members joined and settled in well, and we are looking forward to making new friends in 2026. Our heartfelt thanks to all who continue to support us
