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Macmillan Coffee Morning
Many thanks to all those who baked or came to buy or eat cake this morning! Our helpers were kept busy throughout the morning and we hope that we raised lots for Macmillan. This was a joint event with Age UK Richmond. The money is still being counted so watch this space for an update next week... |
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Open Gardens 2017
Thank you to everyone who supported our Open Gardens weekend in East Sheen. 30 gardens were open on May 20th & 21st, teas were served, Pimms was poured, classic cars gleamed and the gardens looked amazing! After a week of almost non-stop rain, we were fortunate to have good weather, enabling visitors to enjoy the gardens are their very best. Such events require a cast of thousands and we are very grateful to all those who worked so hard to make the event the success that it was. Over £8,000 was raised, a proportion of which will be shared with the Mortlake with East Sheen Society. |
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Barnes Fair
Thank you to everyone who so generously supported FiSH via Barnes Fair. We raised £2,073.55 via our tombola, cake and plant stalls and are hugely grateful to all those who donated prizes, baked wonderful cakes, gave plants... of came to the various stalls to spend money! |
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FiSH Sunday
We had a wonderful day on Sunday February 5th 2017, celebrating FiSH Sunday and our 55th Anniversary at St Mary's Barnes. Many thanks to all those who came, made cakes and sandwiches, drove cars and buses, sang, spoke, shared their stories... and drank tea! Andy and Jenny Hughes created a 'fishnet', spinning threads across the congregation linking Helpline volunteers to FiSH clients, to FiSH befrienders and on to volunteer shoppers, back to the FiSH office, across to RaKAT, the FiSH Trustees and on to choir members, drivers, escorts, bus passengers.... reminding us all that FiSH is all about Connecting Communities. |
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Be Safe at Home
Have you got a key safe? They are an excellent idea and provide a secure way for your carers or a neighbour of your choosing to visit you without ringing the doorbell or having their own key. However if you change care agency, remember it’s a good idea to change the access number for your key safe. Do call our Helpline on 8876 3414 if you need help with this.
It is also wise to give a key to your home to a trusted neighbour. We all forget our keys occasionally and find ourselves on the wrong side of a locked door! But sometimes, you may need help or need someone to reach you quickly and easily. Having a reliable key holder could make all the difference to your well-being in the event of an accident.
There have been a number of local scams recently: please be extra careful when withdrawing cash at local cash machines and cover your pin number when paying for groceries at Waitrose or other supermarkets.
Have you got a key safe? They are an excellent idea and provide a secure way for your carers or a neighbour of your choosing to visit you without ringing the doorbell or having their own key. However if you change care agency, remember it’s a good idea to change the access number for your key safe. Do call our Helpline on 8876 3414 if you need help with this.
It is also wise to give a key to your home to a trusted neighbour. We all forget our keys occasionally and find ourselves on the wrong side of a locked door! But sometimes, you may need help or need someone to reach you quickly and easily. Having a reliable key holder could make all the difference to your well-being in the event of an accident.
There have been a number of local scams recently: please be extra careful when withdrawing cash at local cash machines and cover your pin number when paying for groceries at Waitrose or other supermarkets.
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Walking the Talk
A group of trustees and friends of FiSH Neighbourhood Care set out at the end of October to raise fund for FiSH hiking together around a five mile circuit of Richmond Park. Also taking part in the sponsored walk was Cllr Brian Marcel, ‘Champion for older residents’ for LBRUT, an enthusiastic supporter for the work of FiSH in our community. The sponsored walk launched a campaign to raise enough money to pay for a new fully accessible minibus while, at the same time, ensuring FiSH can remain on a firm financial footing for the future. The target for the campaign is £50,000 and a great start was made during the walk with over £2,000 raised by the trustees. Thank you to all those who walked or made donations! If you would like to donate to FiSH click here or talk to us on 020 8876 3336 to find out about other fund raising opportunities. |
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FiSH Annual Subscriptions
The annual membership fee for accessing FiSH services has remained at £10 since it was introduced some years ago. From September 2016 this is being increased to £15 and this will help us to continue providing and developing our range of services. We hope everyone will agree that this still represents very good value for money.
The annual membership fee for accessing FiSH services has remained at £10 since it was introduced some years ago. From September 2016 this is being increased to £15 and this will help us to continue providing and developing our range of services. We hope everyone will agree that this still represents very good value for money.
Singing Scales
The Singing Scales Choir is a popular activity of FiSH and is ably led by volunteer Jean Oxley, and it meets for a couple of rehearsals each month on Monday afternoons. Singing is good for your health and well-being as it can improve your breathing - but being part of choir is also good fun and provides an opportunity to meet others. New members of the choir are always welcome and the only requirement is for members to have enthusiasm! From September, the Choir will be rehearsing in a new venue: Barnes Baptist Church, Lonsdale Road. New members are always welcome. Please call the FiSH Office for further details – 020 8876 3335.
The Singing Scales Choir is a popular activity of FiSH and is ably led by volunteer Jean Oxley, and it meets for a couple of rehearsals each month on Monday afternoons. Singing is good for your health and well-being as it can improve your breathing - but being part of choir is also good fun and provides an opportunity to meet others. New members of the choir are always welcome and the only requirement is for members to have enthusiasm! From September, the Choir will be rehearsing in a new venue: Barnes Baptist Church, Lonsdale Road. New members are always welcome. Please call the FiSH Office for further details – 020 8876 3335.
Anneka's Challenge
Anneka Rice has been a keen FiSH volunteer for some time and regularly visits one of our clients in Barnes. She is passionate about befriending and has become an ambassador for both befriending and FiSH - and that is something we are hugely grateful for. She was recently interviewed on the ITV programe 'This Morning' and rather than go alone, she took Sylvia with her. Her challenge to those watching was 'This is not difficult, it's something anyone can do.' Immediately after the interview, our phones were red hot with calls and emails coming in from Scotland to Cornwall, Kent to Birmingham to Sunderland. There is obviously a willingness to get involved... so our challenge to those who run befriending schemes up and down the country would be to advertise your service. Together we can combat loneliness!
Anneka Rice has been a keen FiSH volunteer for some time and regularly visits one of our clients in Barnes. She is passionate about befriending and has become an ambassador for both befriending and FiSH - and that is something we are hugely grateful for. She was recently interviewed on the ITV programe 'This Morning' and rather than go alone, she took Sylvia with her. Her challenge to those watching was 'This is not difficult, it's something anyone can do.' Immediately after the interview, our phones were red hot with calls and emails coming in from Scotland to Cornwall, Kent to Birmingham to Sunderland. There is obviously a willingness to get involved... so our challenge to those who run befriending schemes up and down the country would be to advertise your service. Together we can combat loneliness!
Lunchtime Concerts
Each month, apart from August, the FiSH Lunchtime Concert takes place on the first Friday of the month at St Michael & All Angel's Community Centre, Barnes. After a simple lunch of soup, bread, cheese, fruit and something for a sweet tooth everyone sits back for some musical entertainment. The music varies from month to month and in May we welcomed Rosalind O'Dowd who delighted her audience with a few arias followed by some favourite songs from Oklahoma! and My Fair Lady.
If you have an elderly friend who loves music, why not encourage them to come to the next concert? Call 020 8876 3336 for further details.
Each month, apart from August, the FiSH Lunchtime Concert takes place on the first Friday of the month at St Michael & All Angel's Community Centre, Barnes. After a simple lunch of soup, bread, cheese, fruit and something for a sweet tooth everyone sits back for some musical entertainment. The music varies from month to month and in May we welcomed Rosalind O'Dowd who delighted her audience with a few arias followed by some favourite songs from Oklahoma! and My Fair Lady.
If you have an elderly friend who loves music, why not encourage them to come to the next concert? Call 020 8876 3336 for further details.
FiSH Helpline
Our Helpline is open Monday to Friday from 09:00-12:00. Please do make use of this by calling 020 8876 3414 if you need help with transport for medical or social appointments or if you need some shopping done. Although we cannot help with personal care, we can help with simple things around the home like replacing light bulbs, occasional gardening tasks or at other times when you just need a useful helping hand. Please call as early as possible in the day and, for medical appointments, please try and give us at least two days’ notice.
Our Helpline is open Monday to Friday from 09:00-12:00. Please do make use of this by calling 020 8876 3414 if you need help with transport for medical or social appointments or if you need some shopping done. Although we cannot help with personal care, we can help with simple things around the home like replacing light bulbs, occasional gardening tasks or at other times when you just need a useful helping hand. Please call as early as possible in the day and, for medical appointments, please try and give us at least two days’ notice.
Gentle Dance Classes run by Rambert Dance Company
A recent Tuesday Talk given by a member of Rambert Dance received rave reviews and we are delighted that we have been able to arrange a six week series of gentle dance classes for FiSH members and others who are interested. The first session will begin at 10:30am on Friday June 17th at Barnes Green. Dance has been proved to help keep both the body and brain young so do come and join the group. The culmination of the sessions will be a visit to Rambert Studios and Archives which will take place on Saturday July 23rd. Call the FiSH office to express your interest.
A recent Tuesday Talk given by a member of Rambert Dance received rave reviews and we are delighted that we have been able to arrange a six week series of gentle dance classes for FiSH members and others who are interested. The first session will begin at 10:30am on Friday June 17th at Barnes Green. Dance has been proved to help keep both the body and brain young so do come and join the group. The culmination of the sessions will be a visit to Rambert Studios and Archives which will take place on Saturday July 23rd. Call the FiSH office to express your interest.
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Wednesday Walkers
On Wednesday March 16th our Wednesday Walkers, enjoyed another bracing walk in Richmond Park. This time the group included 13 walkers and three well-behaved dogs! FiSH bus driver Annie dropped the group off at the Isabella carpark and they then walked back through Isabella Plantation arriving at the Home Guard Club for afternoon tea later in the afternoon. Next month the group will meet at Sheen Gate at 1:30pm on Wednesday April 20th with the intention of walking from Ham House along the river to Richmond. New members are always welcome. Contact Andy for further details. |
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Brush Up Your Shakespeare!
Our annual concert took place on Saturday November 14th 2015 at Wathen Hall, St Paul's School. Despite the ghastly weather, the concert was well attended and everyone enjoyed the music and readings, all of which followed a Shakespearean theme. Many people helped to make the evening a success and the stars of the evening were the Barnes Concert Band, Abigail Cruttenden, Joe Fraser, Denys Graham, Michael Steffan, the 'Flamin' Dames' and Alison Wilson. However, as always, there was a cast of thousands working behind the scenes for weeks beforehand and on the night. THANK YOU to you all! |
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Volunteers' Outing to Charleston Manor
Our volunteers are an amazing group of people, many of whom are incredibly generous with their time - so we thought it might be nice to reward them with an outing of their own. On a gloriously sunny day in early October, one of the FiSH buses set off for a very enjoyable day in Sussex. The group visited Charleston Manor at the foot of the South Downs before going on for tea in the beautiful village of Alfriston.
Our volunteers are an amazing group of people, many of whom are incredibly generous with their time - so we thought it might be nice to reward them with an outing of their own. On a gloriously sunny day in early October, one of the FiSH buses set off for a very enjoyable day in Sussex. The group visited Charleston Manor at the foot of the South Downs before going on for tea in the beautiful village of Alfriston.
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Macmillan Coffee Morning
On Friday September 25th, FiSH held a joint Macmillan Coffee Morning at Barnes Green Centre together with AgeUK. There were lots of delicious things on sale thanks to Country Markets. An impressive £400 was raised for this good cause - so many thanks to all who contributed! |
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Wednesday Walkers
A group of eight FiSH Wednesday Walkers set off together on a very pleasant sunny afternoon in February. They followed a planned route through Two Storm Wood in Richmond Park, across to Holly Lodge and then on to Cambrian Gate. Here they paused to consider the location of the South African Military Hospital which from 1916-18 accommodated up to 900 wounded South African soldiers; there are no visible traces but perhaps some spectral remnants. It was then onward to Bog Gate (the thickness of the mud in the approaches making it all too obvious why it bears this name!) The walkers then followed a path through Sheen Common and back to the Home Guard Club for tea – all in just under an hour and a half.
New walkers will be welcome! If you know someone who may be interested call 020 8876 3335 for details or email info@fishhelp.org.uk
A group of eight FiSH Wednesday Walkers set off together on a very pleasant sunny afternoon in February. They followed a planned route through Two Storm Wood in Richmond Park, across to Holly Lodge and then on to Cambrian Gate. Here they paused to consider the location of the South African Military Hospital which from 1916-18 accommodated up to 900 wounded South African soldiers; there are no visible traces but perhaps some spectral remnants. It was then onward to Bog Gate (the thickness of the mud in the approaches making it all too obvious why it bears this name!) The walkers then followed a path through Sheen Common and back to the Home Guard Club for tea – all in just under an hour and a half.
New walkers will be welcome! If you know someone who may be interested call 020 8876 3335 for details or email info@fishhelp.org.uk
FiSH Wednesday Walkers explore Beverley Brook
On Wednesday 16th December the fourth gathering of the walking group met with a mission to explore the banks of the Beverley Brook. This took us down the East side of Richmond Park for the first time and our intrepid band of seven (no dogs this time) quickly reached the area of river restoration currently being undertaken by the Royal Parks.
The Beverley Brook Project aims to re-naturalise the river, which over many years of ‘improvement’, has been forced into a concrete sided channel rather than being allowed to wander as a free spirited stream. The restoration area is protected from dogs and deer by fences and looks a bit bare at the moment. However, this protection will allow the natural vegetation to take hold and spread, attracting a wider range of fauna and flora. In the river itself some of the banks have been reshaped to make them less steep and logs have been laid in the river bed to break up the water flow and allow the river to re-establish some of its original meandering progress. It will take a number of years to look completely natural again and it will be fascinating to watch its progress.
Having explored our target, we set off through the ominously named ‘Killcat Wood’ and climbed out of the Beverley Brook valley through Queen Mother’s Copse, over the hill and back to the Home Guard Club in time for a delicious tea provided by FiSH volunteers.
On Wednesday 16th December the fourth gathering of the walking group met with a mission to explore the banks of the Beverley Brook. This took us down the East side of Richmond Park for the first time and our intrepid band of seven (no dogs this time) quickly reached the area of river restoration currently being undertaken by the Royal Parks.
The Beverley Brook Project aims to re-naturalise the river, which over many years of ‘improvement’, has been forced into a concrete sided channel rather than being allowed to wander as a free spirited stream. The restoration area is protected from dogs and deer by fences and looks a bit bare at the moment. However, this protection will allow the natural vegetation to take hold and spread, attracting a wider range of fauna and flora. In the river itself some of the banks have been reshaped to make them less steep and logs have been laid in the river bed to break up the water flow and allow the river to re-establish some of its original meandering progress. It will take a number of years to look completely natural again and it will be fascinating to watch its progress.
Having explored our target, we set off through the ominously named ‘Killcat Wood’ and climbed out of the Beverley Brook valley through Queen Mother’s Copse, over the hill and back to the Home Guard Club in time for a delicious tea provided by FiSH volunteers.
Wednesday Walkers
A convivial band of 10 men and three dogs set off from the Home Guard Club for their afternoon walk in Richmond Park on Wednesday November 18th. It was a very blustery day and they were buffeted by the wind on all sides but cleverly timed their walk perfectly to miss the rain. Safely back inside the Home Guard Club at 3pm they enjoyed lemon drizzle cake and cups of tea provided by Jenny, Sheena and Martine while the rain did its worst outside.
A convivial band of 10 men and three dogs set off from the Home Guard Club for their afternoon walk in Richmond Park on Wednesday November 18th. It was a very blustery day and they were buffeted by the wind on all sides but cleverly timed their walk perfectly to miss the rain. Safely back inside the Home Guard Club at 3pm they enjoyed lemon drizzle cake and cups of tea provided by Jenny, Sheena and Martine while the rain did its worst outside.
Wednesday Walkers
The first meeting of our new group for men, Wednesday Walkers, got off to a very damp start in September! Undeterred by the rain, three keen men set off from the Home Guard Club in East Sheen, went for an hours' walk in Richmond Park, before returning, somewhat bedraggled, for tea at the Club.
However, they were enthusiastic enough to plan further walks in hope of better weather! If you, or a man you know, would like to join them, contact Andy for further details.
The first meeting of our new group for men, Wednesday Walkers, got off to a very damp start in September! Undeterred by the rain, three keen men set off from the Home Guard Club in East Sheen, went for an hours' walk in Richmond Park, before returning, somewhat bedraggled, for tea at the Club.
However, they were enthusiastic enough to plan further walks in hope of better weather! If you, or a man you know, would like to join them, contact Andy for further details.
FiSH Annual General Meeting 2015
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Barnes Fair 2015
The day was once again blessed with good weather and proved to be as hugely popular as in previous years. We raised £2,574.00, so many thanks to everyone who helped either by donating items for sale or helping to 'man' the various stalls. Special thanks to Roger Lang and his colleagues from Mike Bayon Garden Design who sourced and manned the beautiful FiSH plant stall and alone raised £1,161.34. |
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Kings College School 2015
We had another excellent week with boys from King's College School at the end of June. They participated in the Retro Cafe, attended the FiSH Tuesday Talk before tackling some gardening for several FiSH clients and helping with preparations for Barnes Fair. An impromptu Scrabble game was had with some of the ladies at Barnes Green Day Centre. However the highlight of the week was a picnic lunch at Hampton Court. The lunch of sandwiches, fruit, homemade cake and juice had all been prepared by the boys and everyone was very impressed by the boy's friendliness, confidence and talents. Huge thanks to the KCS Master, Matthew Owen, who accompanied the boys each day and co-ordinated the week. We hope they come back again next year! |
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Open Gardens 2015
On Sunday June 14th 2015 we held our 3rd annual FiSH Open Gardens afternoon, this time combining forces with MESS (Mortlake with East Sheen Society). A general thank you to all volunteers and supporters who helped raise a total of just under £6,000 so each charity benefited by nearly £3,000. Once again we were blessed with a warm, dry day - even if the sun was a bit hit and miss. 22 gardens opened their gates with some reporting receiving over 500 visitors between 2pm and 6pm! People had queued to buy tickets and during the afternoon the back streets of East Sheen were filled with people happily navigating their way from one garden to the next. Cream teas were served at the Home Guard Club accompanied by live music. There were also 13 classic cars on display and these drew large numbers of visitors and provoked many fond memories from years gone by. As usual, the real stars of the afternoon were the gardens, which ranged from front gardens and allotments to much larger gardens filled with beautiful trees, poppies, lilies, foxgloves, daisies and lots of buzzing bees gorging themselves on the abundance of nectar. We would like to thank all those who generously helped to make the day so memorable and successful, especially the garden owners, car owners, garden and tea volunteer helpers, musicians and those who helped with donations of cakes, scones, balloons, cream (Rodda’s) and publicity (Savills). Special thanks too to Waitrose East Sheen who allowed us to sell tickets from their store entrance and who provided support to our ticket sellers. |
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Memories & Music from the 'Great War'
We had a marvellous evening on Saturday November 15th when we presented Memories & Music from the 'Great War' in the beautiful Wathen Hall at St Paul's School, Barnes. The event was supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and featured filmed interviews of FiSH friends and volunteers recounting memories of the First World War. The evening was linked together by a selection of music, readings of letters from the front and community singing. We are hugely grateful to Peter Snow, Anthony Calf, Buffy Davis, and Denys Graham for their professional contributions and to Jessica Hughes, Barnes Community Choir, and Barnes Concert Band for making all the music go with a swing, an also to the staff and boy's at St Pauls for all their help both on stage and behind the scenes! Tom Stanier's brilliant film, Memories of the Great War, proved to be a very moving tribute to those who served and gave their lives during the War. Copies of the film are available on DVD from the FiSH Office for a donation of £10. |
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Jazz Evening at The Bulls Head
On Tuesday September 23rd 2014, our friends at The Bulls Head in Barnes held An Evening of Martell and Music for FiSH members and friends. The evening kicked off with brandy tasting and this was followed by some fabulous traditional jazz music. No tickets were required but donations to FiSH were very welcome!
On Tuesday September 23rd 2014, our friends at The Bulls Head in Barnes held An Evening of Martell and Music for FiSH members and friends. The evening kicked off with brandy tasting and this was followed by some fabulous traditional jazz music. No tickets were required but donations to FiSH were very welcome!
Any Fares Please!
With effect from January 1st 2015, there will unfortunately now be a charge for all journeys on the FiSH bus to and from Barnes Green Day Centre. The reason for this is that the grant previously awarded by Richmond Council to Age UK to cover transport to and from the Day Centre came to an end on December 31st 2014. The charge will be 75p for a single journey and £1.50 return. Age UK staff will be responsible for collecting fares from Barnes Green Centre passengers on a daily basis, although a block payment can be made in advance.
With effect from January 1st 2015, there will unfortunately now be a charge for all journeys on the FiSH bus to and from Barnes Green Day Centre. The reason for this is that the grant previously awarded by Richmond Council to Age UK to cover transport to and from the Day Centre came to an end on December 31st 2014. The charge will be 75p for a single journey and £1.50 return. Age UK staff will be responsible for collecting fares from Barnes Green Centre passengers on a daily basis, although a block payment can be made in advance.
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Barnes Fair 2014
Saturday July 12th was a beautifully warm, sunny day and just perfect for the 40th anniversary of Barnes Fair. As usual, FiSH volunteers and staff set up a stall outside Barnes Green Centre and we are grateful for the generous donations of plants, cakes, bric a brac, vintage clothing and a selection of goodies for the ever popular tombola. A total amount of £1,632 was raised - so many thanks to all those who donated, bought or sold! |
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FiSH Annual General Meeting 2014
The FiSH AGM took place on Thursday July 10th and was attended by 78 FiSH Members. The Rt Rev Richard Harries was the speaker reminding everyone of the Bonds of Community and of the importance of friendliness for the frail and the necessary of organisations, such as FiSH, to strengthen these community bonds which can so easily be broken. Keeping the alliteration going, members commented that FiSH's spirit of fun and feistiness also contriubute much!
The FiSH AGM took place on Thursday July 10th and was attended by 78 FiSH Members. The Rt Rev Richard Harries was the speaker reminding everyone of the Bonds of Community and of the importance of friendliness for the frail and the necessary of organisations, such as FiSH, to strengthen these community bonds which can so easily be broken. Keeping the alliteration going, members commented that FiSH's spirit of fun and feistiness also contriubute much!
Visit from King's College School 2014
In June we had a superb week with some of the boys from King's College School at Wimbledon. Accompanied by their Master, Mr Owen, the boys willingly tackled some gardening projects before preparing a much enjoyed picnic for a large group of FiSH clients in Isabella Plantation. On their last day here they helped run a bingo session and entertained the ladies and gentlemen at Barnes Green Centre before serving everyone with a lovely mid-summer tea baked and prepared by themselves. We would like to thank all those involved for their enthusiasm and willingness to give up so much time! They will be welcome to back anytime!!
In June we had a superb week with some of the boys from King's College School at Wimbledon. Accompanied by their Master, Mr Owen, the boys willingly tackled some gardening projects before preparing a much enjoyed picnic for a large group of FiSH clients in Isabella Plantation. On their last day here they helped run a bingo session and entertained the ladies and gentlemen at Barnes Green Centre before serving everyone with a lovely mid-summer tea baked and prepared by themselves. We would like to thank all those involved for their enthusiasm and willingness to give up so much time! They will be welcome to back anytime!!
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Open Gardens 2014
Sunday June the 8th 2014 saw what is rapidly becoming our Annual Open Gardens event! This year only gardens in Barnes were open but they were visited by over 300 people. Afternoon tea was served in a couple of the gardens and we were blessed with perfect weather. We are very grateful to all those who so generously opened their gardens for us! |
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