Wokingham woman’s artwork wins top place on National Care Home Open Day 2015

A retired lady from Wokingham scooped first prize in an art competition held as part of National Care Home Open Day 2015.

82-year-old Ann Sherley, a resident of Warren Lodge Care Centre in Finchampstead, was one of 11 residents who entered the competition to celebrate national Care Home Open Day on Friday 19 June. Their work was displayed in the care home’s gallery and judged by the Deputy Mayor of Wokingham, Councillor Bob Pitts, when he visited the home on Warren Lane to find out more about life at Warren Lodge.

Ann’s painting depicted a cherry tree that she had in the garden when she was a child. She fondly remembers her father building a swing for her attached to the lowest branch, which she played on for hours on end, and summer days eating the fruit from the tree.

Art was one of the themes of this year’s national initiative to show local people what excellent care homes in their community are really like and the creative residents at Warren Lodge wholeheartedly embraced the idea.

“Quite a few of our residents took up the painting challenge and responded by doing fantastic paintings that represented memories of when they were younger. We do a lot of creative activities at Warren Lodge, from painting to poetry and music to floristry, because the residents really enjoy those kind of things - they are a very talented and expressive bunch!” said Anthony Browne, manager of Warren Lodge.

One of the aims of the UK-wide initiative Care Home Open Day is to build relationships between care home residents, staff and local people, and give people the opportunity to see for themselves the kind of care services available in their area.

“Our care home is very homely and welcoming, and full of friendly, caring, interesting people. Anyone is welcome any time to come and see the excellent services and fantastic work that goes on here at Warren Lodge not just on Care Home Open Day,” adds Anthony.

Ann was awarded with a bouquet of flowers for her painting of a cherry tree.

Warren Lodge is a 51 bedroom property set overlooking the Berkshire countryside. The home offers 24-hour residential care for people aged 65 and over, with a particular specialism in dementia care. Warren Lodge is part of the Forest Healthcare group of homes, which has 13 homes across the South East of England. For more information, please call 0118 973 4576 or visit www.foresthc.com

ENDS

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