Fun in the summer sun for Hartlepool’s elderly

MIXED weather has not stopped Hartlepool’s elderly enjoying the summer months – with carnival trips and themed fairs between black clouds and showers.

A seaside fun day was the latest activity held at Queens Meadow Care Home, on Stockton Road, as the clouds broke and the sun shone.

The home turned back the clock with a vintage fairground organ playing traditional tunes residents remembered from their childhood trips to the beach.

Seaside games, candy floss and even the typical queue to get a 99 at the ice cream van helped set the scene.

Resident Ken Perkiss, 82, said: “The last time I saw something like the fairground organ it took me back to when I was on Brighton Pier during my courting days.”

Residents also took a trip to Headland Carnival on its 90^th anniversary, playing hook a duck and winning soft toys.

Jean Douglas, 86, and Irene Kimber, 84, enjoyed watching other visitors having a great time and riding the gravity defying amusements.

Jean said: “Years ago, I’d have a ride on those!”

Julie Armstrong, home manager at Queens Meadow Care Home, said: “We try to make the most of the good weather when we get it and the residents have been thoroughly enjoying all the summer activities.

“The seaside fun day and the carnival were real hits. They love to reminisce about their early days and it was great to see everyone enjoying a bit of summer sun.”

The summer fun day saw family and friends attend alongside volunteers from the Hartlepool United National Citizenship Service (NCS).

The 15 to 17 year old volunteers will be revamping a section of the home’s garden, giving it a seaside theme by repainting the pergola and installing flower boxes with seasonal plants.

Julie added: “The seaside fun day was a fun way for the NCS volunteers to get acquainted with the residents. We’d like to thank them for coming and can’t wait to see them back at the home and working on the garden.

“We’re also so grateful to the lovely ice cream man Tonino, who donated all the ice creams to the residents for free, and Masons Funeral Directors, who brought the fairground organ for the everyone to enjoy.”