Woodland Grove Care Home proves you’re never too old for a festival

Our Loughton care home recently entertained residents and members of the community with musicians, face painting, drumming and dancing. As well as bringing local people together, the event raised £185 for the Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK.

The festival was organised by our Woodland Grove Lifestyles Manager, Eirlys Roff. Together with Lifestyles Assistant, Kiera Helsey, they are also running the Brighton Marathon for the charities in April next year.

Speaking about the event, Eirlys said: “We support people with dementia here every day. We know how vital music is to them so a festival seemed a perfect idea!

“Our residents who are living with the condition never seem to lose the joy of the sound or the memories songs from their past can bring.

“For those whose speech has left them, it gives them an opportunity to enjoy a connection with other people.”

The festival included entertainment from local acts One Man Banned, Dean Weedon and Sasha McIntosh, plus a drumming workshop. Eirlys said the day had quite an impact.

“One of our residents can be quite distressed but the drumming was very therapeutic for her and she sat calmly taking part. It’s a challenge to encourage another of our residents to eat but she really enjoyed the barbeque which was wonderful to see.”

92-year-old Chris Nickerson spent the afternoon dancing and singing, thoroughly enjoying the music. She said: “Music is one of the loves of my life! It’s been amazing to have this at my home – it’s been terrific fun! I even got to perform with the drumming group!”

Home manager, Hazel McGwyne said: “Woodland Grove Music Festival has been a fantastic event, and a brilliant way for Eirlys and Kiera to kick off their fundraising.

“We’ve already had some great feedback from families who loved the day so how knows, it could become a regular event!”

Woodland Grove offers residential, nursing, memory and respite care for up to 72 people. We run monthly hip hop and Zumba dance classes and entertain residents with a regular selection of musicians and singers.

Find out more about Woodland Grove.