Thanks to the kind wok of the Science and Technology Facilities Council in partnership with UK Research and Innovation, Grace was delighted to be the first ever care home to Borrow The Moon! This Lunar Loan box consisted of various samples of moon rock from the Apollo Moon Missions, along with asteroids, space rocks, and a whole bunch of fascinating literature about the science, innovation, and technology of space.
While usually reserved for schools and educational institutions, working with the wonderful Loan Officer from the STFC they successfully made the case for a care home loan, and working in collaboration with the ever versatile and enthusiastic Jigsaw Thornbury they delivered educational show and tell sessions to many of their service users alongside their own residents.
This was a special week for residents, as many of them remember watching the first moon landing on the television all the way back in 1969.
Resident J remembers: 'My friends' parents had the first television on the street, and we would all gather round it for special occasions. It was so exciting to watch people walk on the moon, it felt like an alien TV show!'.
Resident A, a former teacher, valued the chance to share his memories with the young people from Jigsaw, saying 'it feels like being back in the classroom, except I'm learning things I didn't know too!'
Resident R, a former aeronautical engineer recalled his time working in the European Space Programme. 'I never worked on the crafts that went to the moon, but there's definitely a few satellites up there that have my grubby fingerprints on them!'
Resident K, a classical music enthusiast took the chance to talk about some of his favourite music. 'I had the opportunity to see Holsts Planet Suite several times live but it's hard to beat seeing the London Symphony Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall, it's a very special experience'
Jigsaw Thornbury, a youth-oriented charity supporting young people with additional needs and their families also had a great time, with one young space enthusiast wishing she had brought her space suit along and asking if she could take some of the moon home with her!
Grace Care Centres event manager Matt said 'we're incredibly fortunate to have these artifacts to share with residents and young folks in the community. Space is always a topic filled with wonder for all ages and it's magical for us to see people of all ages interacting, sharing knowledge and enthusiasm and learning together. With huge thanks to the STFC and Jigsaw, we're proud to have been the first care home to Borrow The Moon and, given how wonderful the week has been, sincerely hope we won't be the last!’
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