Nov 2020
11/11 Remembrance Day challenge at Marston Court
Eleven poppy themed challenges undertaken by Marston Court for the Royal British Legion.
Photo captions: (right) Marston Court Home Manager, Sharon Fenn at a local War Memorial and (middle) resident Betty Longshaw with a poppy wreath created by the home for the challenge.
Residents and team members at Marston Court care home in Oxford are taking up a poppy-themed challenge to raise money for the Royal British Legion.
The home, run by The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), will complete eleven craft and exercise activities for the national 11/11 challenge for Remembrance Day on 11 November.
Challenges include sewing and knitting poppies, creating a poppy wreath, cycling to 11 war memorials, baking cakes, losing 11lbs in weight, reading poems and singing wartime songs.
Activities Coordinator Penny Jenner, who has worked at OSJCT Marston Court since 2013, was inspired to take up the Royal British Legion challenge by the care home residents.
She said: “The poppy appeal, for this generation of residents, many of whom were children during the Second World War, is the most important charity event of the year. All the activities I do are designed to inspire residents to reminisce and share their experiences.
“This challenge is designed to include all residents, whether they’re knitting from their beds, or joining scooter outings. Our activities keep our residents motivated and occupied.”
Penny joined the home as an activity coordinator after first visiting as a volunteer to give hand massages to residents. Penny believes passionately in supporting elderly resident to have a stimulating and vibrant life.
OSJCT Marston Court resident Betty Longshaw, who used to collect for the Royal British Legion, said: “It’s very important that we remember these people and the more money we can make for them (the Royal British Legion), the better it is.”
To follow the progress visit the Facebook page here and to sponsor via Just Giving visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/marston-court