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The Harbour Club is 4 Years Old!!!

The Harbour Club celebrated its fourth birthday, with our special guest of honor Mr Eddie Dray, Chairman of Rayleigh Town Council.
Tea, cakes, music, singing, dancing (plus something a little stronger!) helped the members, staff, volunteers and the Chairman of Rayleigh Town enjoy the special day.
We look forward to providing this much needed service to the local community, during the next twelve months and eating ...more cake!!!
The Harbour Club Team

Reminiscence Boxes

After a visit to the Chelmsford Museum in Oaklands Park, we were made aware of a selection of Reminiscence Boxes which the museum loan for use in care homes and day centres.
We have borrowed two of these boxes so far, the Marconi and Telecommunications Box and the National Service Box. These included interesting articles and artefacts based on the themes, which could be handled and discussed. Our members really enjoyed looking through the items and spent time, sharing their memories. We intend to borrow other themed boxes at a later date. Here are some pictures of our members enjoying the telecommunications artefacts.

Drumming Circle

Once every few months The Harbour Club enjoys taking part in a drumming circle. Jo and Peter bring along a collection of their drums and together we explore a variety of rhythms, starting softly, getting louder and louder. We use the drums to beat out the rhythm of various familiar songs. The pounding of a drum can help us to take notice of our own heartbeat. A low steady beat can create a sense of calmness, whereas a stronger up beat can stir us into action, giving us a sense of excitement. Drumming can be very therapeutic in getting in touch with our inner selves, it can also be great fun and a good way to encourage individuals to grow in confidence.

Spanish Day

Monday 11th July was ‘Spanish Day’ at The Harbour Club. Staff dressed in Spanish style and decorated the hall with Spanish flags, which we had made a few weeks earlier. We enjoyed a discussion about foreign holidays and Spain in particular with the help of various props and pictures. Our morning tea break had an unusual twist, Tapas and Sangria!!! We were surprised how many of us actually enjoyed the olives. We continued the Fiesta theme later that day with flamenco music and dancing to the Gypsy Kings...

The Harbour Club is 3 Years Old!

Monday 5th May 2014 The Harbour Club celebrated its 3rd Birthday. Now open 4 days a week the club provides a stimulating environment for 12 older adults with dementia per day; while their individual carers enjoy a well-earned rest. At The Harbour Club we love an opportunity to celebrate, so our 3rd birthday was no exception.  We commissioned ‘Cakes Galore’ a local company to create a birthday cake with a music theme.  We were not disappointed, it looked fantastic and yes it tasted as good as it looked. Our entertainer was Chris Bishop, she entertained us with a variety of songs and set the scene for a good old sing along and some dancing.  
Thank you for everybody’s support in making The Harbour Club the success it is today.

Rayleigh Town Council Chairman Ian Ward Visits

The Harbour ClubCouncillor Ian Ward of Rochford District Council came to visit us at The Harbour Club.  Being on unofficial business he was not entitled to wear his councillor chains, however he was able to show them to us and tell us a bit about their history. The chains were first made in the 1920’s and made of two rows of tiny silver plated plaques, each bearing the names and dates of previously serving councillors. Cllr Ward explained that as the plaques become filled the chain will be extended to allow for three rows. Members of The Harbour Club felt that the chains were already heavy enough, they didn’t envy anyone who might wear it when the extra row was added. Cllr Ward was very generous with his time and our Members certainly enjoyed meeting and talking to him.