Jane Verry, the Office and Finance Administrator, and the Committee arrived at the idea of having a 1920’s themed party. “I just thought to myself, ‘We work in such an amazing building, its so grand,”’so I looked forward to celebrating a theme around that,” Jane says. So along with Robyn Filipo, the Care Home Manager, and the Committee members, the 1920s party planning began.
As luck would have it, Jane managed to find a family member that had lived in the building when it was a residential house. The secure dementia wing at Cedar Manor is named ‘Bakker Wing’ but it was originally called ‘Cambie Wing.’ The event included a brief history on the Cambie family.
During the evening, a singer took the stage and entertained the residents with flute music that was reminiscent of 1920s jazz. The mayor of Tauranga stopped in to give a historical talk about Tauranga. The day, for the residents, was topped with rides in a horse and carriage up and down the lane.
“It was lovely to see the smiles on our residents faces as the ponies took them on a journey back in time, clip clopping up the Avenue and back,” says Jane.
With black and gold invitations, decorations and staff, including Jane Verry taking the dress code to the next level, the entire event took on the glamour of the era. It created a very nostalgic feeling for some of the residents. Jane noticed one of the residents, Barry Stock with tears of joy as he stroked the pony, because it evoked strong memories. ‘It was so touching to see,’ says Jane as she describes the moment.
Cedar Manor in Tauranga holds several events throughout the year and this year has been no different. A High Tea and Hats Garden Party was held earlier. With this much enthusiasm from the team, the residents at Cedar Manor always have something to look forward to should they wish to participate.