2024

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A huge thank you to local magician Billy Gibson who performed for the residents on Thursday afternoon in the Abbeyfield lounge. A highly entertaining hour of magic with a subtle touch of comedy to an amazed and rapturous crowd. Billy showed the residents what he could really do with magic – with many of the stunned residents wearing the token ‘how did he do that?’ look on their faces as he pulled trick after trick from his hat. Judging by the reactions and chatter as the residents enjoyed a cup of tea afterwards, it was clear that this was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon for all. Billy is very much a talented and likeable guy who has left the residents hungry for more and hopefully it won't be too long before we see him perform for us again.

Yesterday we celebrated Mrs Innes's landmark 90th birthday in style with a party in the Abbeyfield lounge featuring a wonderful performance from Colin Bryce, The Tartan Tenor. All the residents had a fantastic day listening to Colin perform various old classics which was then followed by a cup of tea and a huge big chocolate birthday cake.

The birthday girl herself told us; "It was great! I had a smashing birthday. The entertainment was just great, I'd have him back anytime."

Thanks again to Colin for taking the time to come perform for the residents and to our group of volunteers and staff who help make these events run smoothly.

We would like to say a huge thank you to Strathaven Argos for donating a variety of gardening and healthy eating equipment for our residents. We hugely appreciate this wonderful gesture and would like to say a big thank you to the ladies at Strathaven Argos for their kindness in nominating us.

The residents were eager to use the new equipment straight away so with a team effort we had the Chairmen himself not afraid to get his hands dirty, assembling and filling the new planters under the guidance and watchful eye of the residents.

Thank you to Jackie and Eric Rice for performing for the residents on Thursday 27th June. Jackie and Eric are an old favorite of the residents having regularly entertained at Abbeyfield over the past few years each time getting better and better. 

We would like to say a big thank you to Strathaven & District Pipe Band for giving our residents a special performance on Thursday evening. Many of our residents struggle to attend the Gala events due to mobility issues so it always makes it extra special for them that the Pipe Band go out of their way to perform specially for them in the garden as part of their warm up.The residents always look forward to the annual Pipe Band night and it was brilliant to see the look on some of the newer residents faces as they experienced it for the first time. All in all it was a great evening and we cannot thank Strathaven & District Pipe Band enough for making it such a special night.

 A huge thank you to harpist Pauline Vallance who entertained the residents on Thursday afternoon. Pauline is an exceptional harpist who we have had the pleasure of welcoming into Abbeyfield to play numerous times before. Our residents always comment on how beautiful she plays, the variety and how soothing and relaxing it feels, along with the ambience and atmosphere of the lounge. Pauline was then invited to stay and have a cup of tea and a chat with the residents and house volunteers, overall it was a brilliant afternoon 

Thank you to our guest speaker John Walker who entertained the residents with his stories regarding the 5 spies of Cambridge. The residents thoroughly enjoyed hearing all the old war time stories and reminiscing about their own experiences of the time as many still remembered some of the events in question.

A huge thank you to Strathaven Argos who kindly donated some fantastic new kitchen equipment to us this afternoon. Your generosity is greatly appreciated by all our staff and residents.

Thank you to Luckenbooth for putting on an excellent show for the residents. Luckenbooth are regular visitors to the house having visited several times before and each time get better and better.

Thank you to Good Question who performed for the residents in what was a great performance and the residents absolutely loved every minute. This was the first time Good Question had ever performed in Abbeyfield and hopefully we'll see them again in the not too distant future.

A big Thank You to SMT (Sheila, Mary and Tom) who performed for our residents on the 18th of January. The band made use of the TV showing pictures of Scottish scenery to compliment their music which was fantastic and had all the residents amazed. .

We would like to wish our residents, their families, staff, committee and everyone associated with Abbeyfield a happy new year.