Activities at Queens Manor Care Home

Queens Manor Care Home Resident Betty Roy and her son Ivor were completely astounded to discover that a Christmas Gift sourced by Key Worker Clarissa is actually a family heirloom!    

Clarissa was looking for a unique and meaningful gift for Betty’s Christmas and, whilst browsing online, happened across ‘Aye Ready, The History of Edinburgh Fire Brigade, The Oldest Municipal Brigade in Britain’ (by Alexander Reid). Initially she wondered about gifting a ‘second hand’ item but decided it would be perfectly appropriate for Betty as she often spoke of her father, Robert Thomas Wyllie, whose photo she proudly displays in her room.  Robert was Assistant Fire Officer at Edinburgh’s Laurieston Fire Station during the 1930s.  

Betty was showing the book to son Ivor, who was amazed to discover that the book now in Betty’s possession was in fact his own copy, which  had belonged to his father. Ivor had inadvertently donated the book along with other items to charity, many miles from Queens Manor and Edinburgh Fire Brigade. Clarissa found it online by chance, and now it’s found its way home to Betty and Ivor – a chance in a million surely!

Ivor explained to General Manager, Margaret-Ann Davidson, ‘I couldn’t believe it when Betty told me she had a copy of the book.  When she showed it to me, I realised it was the original copy given to me from my Grandfather’s things, because inside it contained an original letter with coupons which he had never cashed in – I recognised the piece of paper and the edges where it had been inserted into the book all those years ago!  I didn’t even realise until today that the book was no longer in my house!

Margaret-Ann said:’This is a fantastic example of a person-centred gift, made even more special by the provenance.  There must have been many copies of the book, and for the family copy to find its way back to Betty and Ivor is incredible!  We’re very lucky to share this story – all of our residents have lived interesting lives, and we love to hear all about it.  This is a truly extraordinary coincidence, and I’m sure it will be shared  at many a family dinner table for years to come!’.  

Queens Manor Resident Group includes a number of avid gardeners.  The Green Fingered Gurus have been meeting to plan, purchase and plant - to bring colourful garden displays for all to enjoy.  

At the most recent meeting they even produced a detailed coloured plan and a list of planting suggestions for their forthcoming Spring and Summer activities.  This includes a splash of colour for the main entrance.  Gardening is a serious business – ably promoted and supported by Erika in our Activities & Lifestyle Team

Residents enjoyed an outing to Cramond Kirk Christmas Service recently, where they were also treated to an afternoon tea and blether with the Minister.  

Many of our residents have very local connections to Cramond and were able to catch up with some old friends.  

This was a significant spiritual experience for one of our residents, a retired Church of Scotland Minister.  Everyone was so welcoming and we hope  to visit again very soon.  We are also able to take advantage of live streaming of local services within the Home

Resident Betty Roy and her son Ivor were completely astounded to discover that a Christmas Gift sourced by Key Worker Clarissa is actually a family heirloom!

Clarissa was looking for a unique and meaningful gift for Betty’s Christmas and whilst browsing online happened across ‘Aye Ready, The History of Edinburgh Fire Brigade, The Oldest Municipal Brigade in Britain’ (by Alexander Reid). Initially she wondered about gifting a ‘second hand’ item but decided it would be perfectly appropriate for Betty as she often spoke of her Father, Robert Thomas Wyllie, whose photo she proudly displays in her room.  Robert was Assistant Fire Officer at Edinburgh’s Laurieston Fire Station during the 1930’s. 

Relaxing afternoon decorating and laminating bookmarks.....whilst choosing our favourite Christmas music, blethering and simply enjoying the vibe!

Residents were thrilled to participate in an immersive movement workshop delivered by Daniella and Frances from Scottish Ballet.

The ladies also brought some costume items so we were also able to experience some of the magic of the Nutcracker through colour and texture.  Daniella said  that she was impressed by the movement skills of our residents – those regular weekly exercise classes really paid off

Inspiring words from our residents under the creative guidance of poet and performer, Ellen Renton. 

Along with Edinburgh Book Festival and Edinburgh Libraries,  we are delighted to have the opportunity to be part of a 5-week project whereby each week's theme is used as inspiration for sharing, reading, reminiscing or writing poetic prose. 

We regularly take a moment to admire and appreciate our residents' skills and talents. On this occasion we had the pleasure of admiring two beautiful shawls hand-knitted by Joyce. 

One was described as for every day and the other, which was a finely knitted treasure, had been and continues to be used for christenings.  The detail, time and love taken to create each shawl remains very evident and left us in awe. 
With a new television series starting about finding Britain’s Best Knitter, we may be in line to crown our own Queens Manor Star Knitter! 

We hosted a tea party for Joyce and her family to celebrate her 90^th birthday. Maintaining those meaningful connections is so important to wellbeing – and we love any opportunity to entertain! Residents and relatives know that they can come together and spend quality time – with cake!

90 is a big one! Congratulations Joyce – who incidentally loves having her picture taken!

We're always busy busy at Queens Manor! Brambling, singing, playing, listening, watching, knitting, measuring, dancing, rearranging, chatting, relaxing - most of all, enjoying, laughing - and most of all - fulfilling!

Residents were thrilled and blown away by young people from Edinburgh Stewart’s Melville College Pipe Band, tuned and tutored by Head of Piping and Drumming, Peter MacGregor.  

The Band gave a stirring performance of old Scottish favourites along with an impressive  demonstration of their drumming skills – hardly a dry eye in the house!  Residents and staff all loved the experience.  

We’re building strong relationships in our local community with many former pupils and family connections to ESMS: the Pipe band is associated with  the Edinburgh School of Music, and has a rich tradition of performing at local and national events, promoting Scottish culture though music.

The Currie Kirk Singers have been entertaining audiences since 1994, with their repertoire including songs from shows, national and comic songs, poetry and hymns - here they are delighting our residents. They conclude their performance with a blessing of peace, joy and love from the Currie Kirk Family.

A big Queens Manor Thank you from us to them for travelling across town in the winter cold and darkness to perform here. Special thanks to Eleanor on piano!

As you may see there was a great turnout to see them all once again - much singing and foot tapping evident throughout. We love Music - it's key to life enrichment and wellbeing - see for yourself!!

A wee birdie told us it's nearly that time of year again! 

Residents enjoyed a pre-Christmas browse at The Range  at Craigleith this week.  

Outings help us build and maintain connections with our community – socialising with friends, shopping and coffee whilst out in the fresh air supports self-esteem and wellbeing.