Organised by local business woman Dawn Mclean 32, the event, hosted at her shop, Rosewill Cottage, in Whitley Bay, was designed to give the elders an insight into the craft of jewellery making as well as help them improve their dexterity. The group of 11, which included two carers, used a collection of beads and gemstones to make their own bracelets before finishing
the day with a tea party.

Dawn, owner of Rosewill Cottage, which is
located on the newly re-developed Park View parade, hosted the session after
hearing about the good work of the Grange ‘Arts and Activities with Elders’ scheme from a friend.

She said: “I heard about the art projects that the Grange had been involved in, including ceramics, painting and poetry and I
thought that they may like to add jewellery making to their list of activities!”

“Social care for the elderly has received some negative publicity in recent weeks. It’s important that groups like the Grange
Day Care Centre receive the support and recognition from local communities so that they can continue delivering excellent services and opportunities for the elderly. The Grange is committed to offering elders  the chance to undertake meaningful activities
that they might not have had the opportunity to experience in the past due to social, financial or physical disadvantage. Dawn, who also makes bespoke jewellery and boasts an array of clients including top London fashion designers, was overwhelmed by the experience. She added: “I found the ladies from The Grange to be some of the most inspirational and delightful people I have ever met. Watching them leave with their own bracelet creations, with beaming smiles on their faces, is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had at Rosewill Cottage.”

Joyce Brown, 84, a Grange service user, thoroughly enjoyed the day, she said: “I am absolutely delighted with my bracelet, I think
it’s lovely. The Throckley-based centre has run an exciting and diverse range of experiences for its visitors for several years, including
outdoor activities and art projects supported by professionals in the local community.

Deputy Manager at the Grange, Richard Shirbon, 31, thought the Rosewill Cottage visit was a real hit with the group. He said: “The
vibe of the session was really positive and the group were pleased with the bracelets that they made. Everyone went home happy as we had a fantastic afternoon.”

For more information about the Rosewill Cottage   store and Rosewill Charms workshop, where bespoke pieces can be commissioned,
please visit www.rosewills-charms.co.uk or pop in the shop at 188 Park View,  Whitley Bay – open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am – 5pm.

By Emily Dobbie.

Lets talk care 2011 new year news.

Their work, produced as part of a scheme with Newcastle City Council, will be on display at Newcastle Civic Centre on Friday 12^th November between 1pm to 4pm.

Professional artist Chris Robinson, who has painted Dame Catherine Cookson, anung San Suu Kyi – the Nobel Peace Laureate and Democratic Leader of Burma – and the late, great Sir Bobby Robson, was appointed by Adult and Cultural Services Directorate of Newcastle City Council to be artist in residence for four day care centres in the area, including The Grange.

During the residency Chris has worked with the elders at The Grange and the other three day care centres to create portrait, etchings, paintings and collages which reflect the vitality and creativity of some of Newcastle’s most vulnerable residents.

Chris said:  “My artwork shares and celebrates the lives of elders.  The centres’ users have worked creatively with me to illustrate their lives, write their own life stories and paint pictures of their activities. My aim has been to encourage them creatively in their own lives and assist them in finding value in all that they have accomplished.

“The art activities have aimed to support their physical and mental wellbeing. It is hoped that this initial experience of participating in art will encourage them to go on enjoying the arts.”

The Grange Centre is committed to offering elders the chance to undertake meaningful activities that they may not have had the opportunity to try in the past due to social, financial or physical disadvantage.

Doreen Dench, who has been involved in the art project, said:  “It has been great to be given the opportunity to paint.  I didn’t think I could paint, but I am really happy with the end result – it is much better than I thought it would be.   I really enjoy coming to the Grange Centre as there are so many things to do and people to meet.”

If you are unable to attend the ‘Better than a Pill’ art exhibition launch on Friday 12^th November at Newcastle Civic Centre, the art installation will transfer to the new City Library in Newcastle from Thursday 3^rd to Wednesday 16^th February 2011.

The Grange Centre would be delighted if you would join us to launch the exhibition and to celebrate the installation of the new artworks.

Today we took the road
I used to walk, so long ago.
The birds were singing, high in trees,
with butterflies below.
The rain kept off; a lovely breeze
swept past my face and hair.
It felt so good to be alive,
out in the open air.
The hedges bloomed with Dogwood,
Buttercups, Geraniums, too
And ‘old man’s baccy’ sat among
the purple flowers, and blue.
The train to Carlisle used to run
along this path, I know.
Now it’s just cycles, walkers, dogs,
they’ve not so far to go
We stopped for dinner at the pub,
fish, chips, dumplings and pies;
the plate came loaded full of food
and took us by surprise.
We finished with an ice-cream
while we chatted and we talked.
It was a canny trip along
the road I used to walk.

Their latest poem was inspired by Lighthouses.  Our elders were shown images of the iconic structures and asked to think of words, sounds and emotions that describe them; the sea, the life of a lighthouse keeper and the ships and sailors which have been guided home by the lamps bright light.

Guiding light…….

Guiding light, shining bright

On this cold and stormy night.

How glad I will be to reach the shore,

home and safe forevermore.

Where my true love waits for me,

I’ve missed her whilst I’ve been at sea.

Guiding light, shining bright

On this cold and stormy night.

I’ve been at sea for three long years

And left my loved ones home in tears.

I’ve seen the East,

I’ve seen the West

And I know where the sun shines best.

Guiding light, shining bright

On this cold and stormy night .

Assisted by the Grange Centre’s dedicated staff and volunteers, elders aging from 64 to 95 and of all abilities enjoyed the walk, which culminated in a three course meal at the Boat House pub in Wylam.

Edna Gerry aged 89, said:  “I had a lovely day the weather was perfect and the scenery stunning.  It was nice to talk to my friends and reminisce about the walking I used to do in my youth.  We had a lovely meal at the Boat House and ended the day with a sing song, led my Gordon – who is known for his love of singing.”

Jen Anderson a dedicated staff member at the Grange added:  “The walk to Wylam is great fun and more importantly excellent exercise for the elders, many of whom have lost confidence in their mobility.  It is a great way for our elders to enjoy the outdoors, nature and gentle exercise within a safe environment with carers at hand to help when needed.”

As I rapidly approach my 30s I am becoming a victim of the cosmetic industries mass marketing.

Buying creams, potions and lotions ‘because I am worth it’ which will help me ‘stop counting the wrinkles’ and ‘reverse the signs of ageing.’ All of which I am convinced will do nothing other than dent my bank balance!

However this got me thinking, why is it that ageing – one of life’s natural progressions – is portrayed negatively in the media, with everyone trying to resist it and derogatory phrases common place, particularly with the younger generations.

I have recently started voluntary work at a day care centre for elders in Throckley (The Grange Centre) and now realise that every wrinkle and every line on an elderly person’s face and hands tells a story – whether it be a life spent down the mines or battle scars from the World Wars.

Age is something that should be celebrated and at The Grange Centre it is. Through community arts projects elders are encouraged to take part in pottery, singing for the brain, gentle exercise including Tai Chi and Wii Fit, ceramic tile painting and poetry.

Once a year the elders take part in an outdoor activity day in Newburn where they are given the opportunity to try their hand at archery, canoeing, raft building and abseiling.

It is this ‘can do’ attitude of the Grange Centre’s staff which has seen 91 years olds and wheelchair users abseil; and it is through these new experiences that we find out about the elders histories – the activities they enjoyed in the past, their goals and their zest for life. Proof that age definitely comes before beauty!

Busy day for service users to enjoy.

Another busy day in  The Grange Day Centre.