As usual the event went with a swing and everybody had a great time of delicious food, good music and dancing and brilliant company.
The Ball Committee’s decision to move the Ball to Saturday evening seems to have been the right one, with numbers attending being well up on last year. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces as regular Ball attendees were enjoying themselves as usual. It was also good to welcome newcomers who were attending the ball for the 1st time. This year’s newcomers included large parties celebrating family occasions, using it as a staff outing or parish get together and others who simply wanted to say thank you to Father Hudson’s Society.
Christine Mitchell from Blessed Robert Grissold, Balsall Common brought along 23 family and friends to help celebrate her 60th birthday. She said afterwards that it was an ideal way of celebrating her special birthday and that she was definitely going to come again next year.
Father Hudson’s Society is very much part of the everyday life of Coleshill with interaction with residents and businesses. Penny Johnson Florists in the High Street is not only a favourite port of call for staff but also Isabel and Sarah , two of our residents at St. Andrew’s, spend many happy evenings there at Penny’s flower arranging club. Penny decided that this year they would postpone their Christmas staff party and that they would come along to the Ball instead.
Fr Teddy O’Brien, Parish Priest at St. Anne’s Wappenbury enjoyed the evening amongst a parish group of 22 from St. Anne’s, a lovely way of enjoying each others company away from the parish.
The Boyce family booked a table for 10 because they wanted to show their appreciation for the wonderful care their mother, Mary Boyce receives as a resident at St. Joseph’s. They felt that it was appropriate to attend this year’s Ball as the proceeds are going to St Joseph’s Mary Linehan, Mary’s daughter travelled from the Isle of Man in order to attend the Ball.
With so many people finding it a fitting way of celebrating a special occasion or get together we are urging others to do the same next year. Already one member of staff at Father Hudson’s Society, who was unable to attend this years Ball because it was her Wedding Day, has said that she intends to have a table at next years Ball in order to celebrate her 1st wedding anniversary.
You don’t need to be part of a large party to enjoy the Ball, the Ball Committee make up tables for people who are not part of a larger party. A few years ago we seated 3 couples together who had never met before. Now each year they request that they are seated together again.
The proceeds of this year’s Father Hudson’s Ball will help the residents of St. Joseph’s Home in Coleshill for the frail elderly and those with dementia.Celebrating its opening 10 years ago this October St. Joseph’s has provided care with compassionate support for the past decade, continuing the work Father Hudson’s has become known for.
People living at the home like to enjoy themselves, singing, dancing and dining are all activities that people continue to enjoy regardless of their age or frailty.
This year, we hope to be able to increase the space we have for functions which bring the whole home together and a conservatory will enable more people the chance to exercise, party and meet up with friends and family Currently the space available is limited for such activities, more space will be great for residents who are looking to do this or for a place to relax and enjoy the views and peace.
Father Hudson’s Society is extremely grateful to the Ball Committee for agreeing that, subject to planning consent, the proceeds of this years Ball will turn the need and wishes for extra space into a reality. By increasing the space available the conservatory extension would allow more residents who use wheelchairs to ‘join in’ with the social activities within the home or simply to enjoy the ‘extra’ dimension of sitting in a tranquil garden conservatory. The end result would be one which enhances the lives for those who live at and visit St Joseph’s.
Mary says of her mother’s care at St Joseph’s; All the Staff from Managers to Domestics treat their residents with dignity and kindness. Whilst placing Mom has been enormously traumatic and it will never change the sadness we have of seeing her deteriorate St Joseph’s has become part of our family. They know Mom so well and what ever time we call or visit she appears settled and looks well cared for (hairdresser every week was always a must!!)
At a time when there is so much scrutiny of Dementia Services St Josephs can be very proud of the difference it’s made to our family and I know Mom would want us to congratulate and thank them. You are a fantastic team and we appreciate all you do!!
