Garden party is double cause for celebration

Art Exhibition accompanies greenhouse opening

Residents at Clifton Gardens residential care home in Chiswick celebrated two very special openings at their annual garden party recently. The occasion marked the unveiling of a special art exhibition by residents and a new greenhouse donated by a local charity.

The residents, some of whom live with an experience of dementia, have used childhood experiences to create an exhibition of paintings. The works depict special memories, like a trip to the seaside, and adopt certain characteristics of famous artists, like Monet, Pollock and Kandinsky.

Use of art has enormous potential for people living with an experience of dementia. As well as being therapeutic, creative activity, like painting, helps people to express themselves and gives them a voice. The exhibition, put together with assistance from local artist Moyra Ashford, was officially opened by Cllr Pamela Fisher, executive member for adult social services and health.

She said: “Exploring reminiscence and remembering events and memories is something we all do whatever our age, and this, when combined with a creative activity, has resulted in a really positive outcome for the residents who have taken part in this project. I have been extremely impressed with the work I’ve seen and it’s clear to me that some real talent has been discovered.”

Friends of Chiswick Lodge donated a greenhouse to the home. It will be used by residents who enjoy gardening. The greenhouse was officially opened by the Mayor of Hounslow, Cllr Felicity Barwood. She said: “Many residents will have been enthusiastic gardeners. Gardening is very therapeutic and this greenhouse will enable residents to continue their interest on a year round basis.”

The garden party was enjoyed by more than 30 residents, their friends and family. Special guests included members of SGI-UK, a local Buddhist group who recently spent two days re-planting a courtyard at Clifton Gardens. Attractions included a performance by a local saxophonist and a children’s bouncy castle.

Nick Apetroaie, manager at Clifton Gardens, said: “I would like to thank all the residents, their relatives and staff for making the garden party such a success. The residents really enjoyed having Cllr Pamela Fisher and the Mayor attending the party and opening the greenhouse and art exhibition. Also our thanks also extend to our local community groups who have supported Clifton Gardens over the years and who helped us with fundraising.”