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It was in December 1990 that the United Nations announced that they would commemorate the International Day of Older People on 1st October starting in 1991 and this year Caraway celebrated the day and the 33rd anniversary by hosting a Tea Dance in Southampton.
Through the generosity of Southampton Solent Rotary we were able to invite our older community to come and celebrate with us for free. On the day we also celebrated 10 years of Anna Chaplaincy and Caraway’s first year of Rev Dave Hendra, our Anna Chaplain for Dementia, being with the team.
We were joined by more than 60 people for the afternoon, some living with dementia and their carer, others visiting childhood memories of when they attended the local school and others came to enjoy an afternoon with friends and listen to the music. The fun began with teachers from a local dance school leading us and teaching a social
One of our team said:
'I danced with a lovely lady, brought along by her carer, who was delighted to be able to put on her dancing shoes! She shared with great delight that she had been a 'Tiller Girl' in her day and had danced and performed on a variety of stages! Watching her face light up as she recounted her stories, the cheeky twinkle in her eyes and the enjoyment she clearly got from listening to the music and being able to remember some of the steps from the dances (and teach me some!) was lovely - dancing had clearly been an important part of her life and she relished the opportunity to take part in the day.'
Halfway through the afternoon we served a sumptuous cream tea along with assorted cakes, and of course a cuppa, while listening to a wind-band playing live music. As the food went down, more dancing continued until suddenly it was time to go home. Everyone enjoyed the afternoon, including the wonderful team of volunteers who came to help, we had people baking scones and cakes, others serving on the day, and others coming to chat with people who were on their own.
It was another Caraway event that left people feeling cared for and part of a community as they connected with others during the afternoon.
Caraway is a small, Southampton-based charity that believes every older person should be valued, feel cared for and loved. One way we do this is through our Chaplaincy, providing a listening ear and support for those who need it.
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