The wonderfully warm and sunny weather that we enjoyed in February enabled the 2008 season of monthly trips to Selsey get off to a flying start. Throughout the first week of each month, from now through to October a group will set-off from Holy Cross Hospital for a day by the sea. Each group comprises three patients, two volunteers and appropriate nursing staff.
Our journey takes us through the beautiful scenery of Sussex crossing the downs by Goodwood Racecourse and after an hour’s drive we arrive at Selsey. The holiday cottage is provided by the Daughters of the Cross, and is situated near the seafront only yards from the lifeboat station. Family and friends either join us there or travel down in the ambulance.
Following the journey, a walk along the seafront precedes an excellent lunch prepared each day by Gerry, the housekeeper. She is assisted by one of the Sisters, who take turns to stay at the bungalow and help organise the day’s activities. Depending on the weather, further walks take place after lunch in order to work up an appetite for tea before making the return journey home.
It would be a mistake to underestimate the importance of this seemingly straightforward excursion. It provides our patients, their families and friends the opportunity to spend a day together, outside the hospital in an environment that is informal, welcoming and homely.
Gerry and the Sisters work hard to create an atmosphere that is happy and relaxed. The simple pleasure of sharing a meal provides a joyful family atmosphere. Families can share their experiences with each other to draw strength and provide support.
These trips would not take place without the time and effort contributed by our volunteers, who act as drivers and helpers throughout the day.
Live music at Holy Cross Hospital
Once a fortnight an audience of around 40 patients and staff are entertained to a musical performance in the living and dining area of the hospital.
These events are performed by between one and three artists who provide a vibrant mixture of music and song. Opera, pop, jazz, R&B, rock and roll, Cajun, you name it, we have tapped feet, banged drums, snapped fingers and sung along to them all.
The overall effect of ‘live’ music enthusiastically presented is amazing and almost everyone attending shows some degree of positive response.
These mini concerts are arranged by Music in Hospitals, who send different entertainers each fortnight. They have all been special in their different ways each have produced a high quality performance.
So, if you are passing by Holy Cross on a Friday and you think that you can hear a lively music concert then you will probably be right.
Holy Cross Patient Activity at Guildford Spectrum Ice Rink
Two patients, accompanied by family and helpers, visited Guildford Ice rink for our first taste of wheelchair ‘skating’. By prearrangement we were met by a member of the rink management team who had arranged parking adjacent to a rear entrance, which took us directly into the rink.
As soon as we were kitted out with skates the ice marshals took the wheelchairs onto the ice using metal ramps and we were ready to go. Although the helpers and I have not skated for some time the wheelchair provides perfect stability and we were soon confidently making our way around the rink in the midst of the other skaters.
The atmosphere in the rink is exciting; the buzz of the other skaters, feeling the cold on your face, your movement across the ice and the loud ‘disco’ music all add up to a wonderful mix of sensations.
Spectrum ice rink entertains wheel chair users on the ice on a regular basis as part of their normal public sessions. While the wheelchair is on the ice it is the responsibility of the accompanying helper who skates behind. There are trained ice marshals on hand at all times. Helpers do not need to be proficient skaters as the wheel chair provides balance and is easily manoeuvred around the ice. The other skaters were very supportive and kind and the ice marshals took excellent care of us and gave both the patients two fast laps of the rink.
Skating is an ideal opportunity to involve family and friends both as helpers on the ice or as spectators.
Jonathan Scarfe – Social Activities Assistant
The Friends of Holy Cross is a Registered Charity: No. 248993
