22nd June 2023 • The HERALD • Page 55 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SPECIALISTS v WE CARE, YOU CARE Wanted - Companion Lady (86 yrs) requires a like-minded companion to chat with on Saturday afternoons, (for 60-90minutes) She lives in Burgess Road, Bassett, Southampton. A New Zealander, recently widowed, confined to bed but is 100% mentally alert, she has travelled extensively and enjoys discussing current affairs You must be 60yrs+, own transport, English as first language, interested in UK and world news, a keen/interested traveller, empathetic and a good listener Opportunity exists for further visits dependant on compatibility £15-18 per hour immediate start available Please contact her daughter Andrea 07973 230970 for further details Strictly a Wish Come True as Care Home Brings Ballroom Surprise to Maureen, 97 It was lovely to be able to fulfil a wish for her and help her celebrate her 97th birthday.” A er the dancing, the young visitors presented Maureen with a birthday card and chocolates and then spent an hour chatting to her and fellow residents about dancing and their studies at university. Sian added: “All the residents really enjoyed the afternoon and were so grateful to this talented young group for giving up their time to come and see us.” e University of Southampton’s Ballroom and Latin Dance Society teaches dance at both a social and competitive level. It provides weekly classes for all standards and members compete regularly against other universities across the country. A 97-year-old lover of dance enjoyed a wish come true when her New Forest care home arranged ballroom dancers to perform for her as a birthday treat. Maureen Miller said she ‘couldn’t believe it’ when ten members of the University of Southampton’s Ballroom and Latin Dance Society arrived at Colten Care’s Woodpeckers to entertain her and fellow residents. e group performed a series of routines including waltzes and a jive in the lounge of the Outstandingrated Brockenhurst home. “I was blown away by the gesture,” said Maureen. “I couldn’t believe the team at the home had done this for me.” To add further Strictly-style fun to the a ernoon, four residents were given judging paddle boards and scored each dance out of ten, with the top two pairs coming back and dancing again for the votes of all the residents. In the end, the jive won by a unanimous vote. Sian Harris, Companionship Team member at Woodpeckers, said: “Maureen and I have had many In the garden at Colten Care’s Woodpeckers care home in Brockenhurst with resident Maureen Miller are members of the University of Southampton’s Ballroom and Latin Dance Society, from left: Kate, Ethan, Madeline, Meg, Amba, Jack, Joseph, Charlie, Alice and Tanvi chats about how she used to dance when she was younger as a hobby. She particularly loved ballroom dancing and had many dance partners in her time. She loves Strictly Come Dancing and this was all about bringing a bit of Strictly magic to her, and to bring back all the memories of her dancing past. Hythe Huddle, the drop in support group for people living with dementia and their carers, organised by Families Matter, meet on the first Wednesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm at Cornerstone URC, Hythe SO45 6BR. Activities are planned throughout the year. eir next meeting is on Wednesday 5th July with entertainment from singer, Retro Rita. Do drop in for a chat and a cuppa, a warm welcome awaits you. For more information call: 023 8020 7623 or email: o ce.fm.hurc@gmail.com HYTHE HUDDLE Senior Lunch Club St John’s Senior Lunch Club is a wonderful way to meet new people, enjoy a home cooked, two course meal with a hot drink for £5 (Carers will eat free of charge). With its social and friendly atmosphere, Emma and her friendly team of volunteers are ready to welcome all guests. Every Wednesday 12noon to 1pm at St John’s Hall, Hythe SO45 6BP. Please book your place by calling 023 8084 4336.
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