Local Faces: Abbeyfield Residents

As soon as the residents of Abbeyfield read about the Wendover Celebrates Parade, they decided they should be part of it this year. Heather, who works at Abbeyfield, mentioned this to her father, a driver for Stagecoach based in Basingstoke, and he jumped at the chance to help. Jon has already been up to look at the Ashbrook playing field where they will gather, and also to Chiltern Way Academy off London Road where Wendover Celebrates will take place.

Michelle, the manager at Abbeyfield Wendover, is fully supportive of the residents, as they will be fully visible in their local community. The theme of this year’s Carnival is Diversity and the residents of Abbeyfield agree that they are all very different even if they do all have the same Can Do attitude. They were asked if they could make a lot of noise while they were parading in the bus so they will bring their Ghanaian drums to entertain the crowds, suitably tutored and led by Alphons. Anne suggested that they find bells to ring and horns to toot. They will make sure they will be heard!

The coach, see above left, will arrive at Abbeyfield in Dobbins Lane at about 10am on Sunday 27 May, ready to be decorated. Barbara and others have been making bunting and everyone will be pumping up balloons as well. Jane, Beryl, Michelle, Heather and many others have been making other decorations. The coach should arrive at Ashbrook Playing Field, Aylesbury Road (also known as Castle Park) by about 11 as the Parade floats will be judged at about 11.30. The Parade will leave at 12noon and move slowly towards London Road, (see page 17 of the May print edition for map).

When they arrive at the Carnival site, they will be set down near to the entrance where their gazebo is ready to engage the public with crafts, including crochet work by Joan. Gerald and Mansel usually enjoy keeping the Abbeyfield garden beautiful but for this occasion they have used their knowledge of sport to develop some games to play. Barbara has made some bean bags for the purpose. Peter and Tony (volunteer) will be helping with the games on the day.

Dilys, Barbara, and Beryl will be drumming with Alphons (teacher) who supplied their genuine talking drums. Alphons has connections with his home village in Ghana. He and his wife Anne have set up AlphAnne Charity to provide Teacher Packs containing educational materials for the local school and orphanage. The residents of Wendover Abbeyfield have been able to fund for and make several packages.
There will also be quieter moments for Yoga with Ruth (teacher), Dilys and Judith (volunteer). Anne and Claudia have decided to offer a giant crossword that so that anyone can fill in the answer to a clue. There might be a communal jigsaw puzzle, too. Why not watch artists at work? – with Diana (teacher) and Marilyn (volunteer) supporting Gladys and Beryl.
Something for everyone!

The Abbeyfield residents are used to sharing their talents by teaching others and selling their products at coffee mornings and have raised money for charities, including local children Esmé’s All Stars and Ollie Gardiner. Maria, Tessa and Christine, are hoping to be around to float between activities and take over when others need a break.

Heather and Michelle will be doing sterling work feeding everyone and keeping the residents in order. They are Abbeyfield site Marshals for the day.

Don’t forget to visit the Abbeyfield stall when you go to Wendover Celebrates on Sunday 27 May.

It’s not too late to send in your entry form to participate in the Parade. Please email wendovercelebrates2018@gmail.com and they’ll send you a form.