Christmas Tree Light Switch On at Manormead
It has become customary that the switch on of Christmas tree lights starts the festive season at Manormead and 2022 was no different. Residents and staff gather when the evening light faded to enjoy warmed mulled wine and mince pies while sharing seasonal poems and verses. The Venerable Paul Davies, the Archdeacon of Surrey once again kindly joined proceedings to share seasonal thoughts and perform the light switch on.
Manormead Open Day - 21st November 2022
The staff and residents were delighted to invite local retired Church of England pension beneficiaries to a short song recital from soprano Katharine Fuge and pianist Laetitia Federici; Katharine's father lives at Manormead and has kindly entertained residents before. Thirteen visitors joined residents to enjoy canapes and refreshments while listening to songs by Strauss, Britten, Warlock, Rubbra, Schubert and Handel associated with the period to Christmas. The event was enjoyed by all, with thanks going to Katharine and Laetitia.
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
All our schemes held celebration events throughout June 2022 in recognition of the late Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee; these included cream teas, parties and tree plantings. Manormead invited the Bishop of Guildford The Rt Revd Andrew Watson to join them in their celebrations where he planted a hawthorn tree with the assistance of the newest resident.
Manormead Countryside & Wildlife Event: 19th May 2022
Manormead residents take a keen interest in the wildlife that visits their garden, particularly the birds which make use of the regularly replenished bird feeders. In the early Spring of 2020 work on a new pond began which prompted the idea for a wildlife and countryside event in May 2020 to celebrate its opening and provide an opportunity for pension beneficiaries from the surrounding area to visit Manormead, while also providing an entertaining afternoon for residents. Plans for the event then began but unfortunately Covid arrived which stopped proceedings. The start of 2022 saw Covid restrictions removed which allowed for planning to resume and the year being the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee also gave a good reason for a second open afternoon on the 9th June. The Countryside & Wildlife event date was set as the 19th May and attractions confirmed, which included a talk from the Surrey Wildlife Trust, an interactive farm animal display, charity raffle, gift stalls as well as a display of wildlife images from a local photographer.
The 19th of May proved to be a beautiful sunny and warm Spring day. Contributors started setting up in the early afternoon with the arrival of the farm animals sparking interest from those passing the garden doors, resulting in big smiles and comments about how cute the animals were. The entertainment included people taking miniature sheep and goats for walks around the garden, the cuddling of rabbits, chicks, and a pygmy pig. Visitors joined a tour of Manormead, viewing a flat and learning how the scheme promotes independent living and what support is available. The lounge was filled with those wanting to listen to the talk about the work of the Surrey Wildlife Trust which was kindly presented by a resident’s son. The afternoon was a great success with guests and residents enjoying the proceedings and fine weather, finishing with a raffle draw which raised £50 for the Surrey Wildlife Trust.