Once upon a chilly December evening in the cosy town of Hawkhill, the community gathered in anticipation for a magical event as the staff prepared for a Cinderella Pantomime on December 22, 2023.

This enchanting production wasn’t just about dazzling costumes and lively performances; it was a heartfelt initiative to support a local charity, Aberdeen Foyer, a charitable organisation supporting young people in the North East of Scotland towards independent living, learning and work.

The stage was adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, creating an atmosphere of holiday cheer.  As the curtains rose, the magic of Cinderella unfolded on the stage, transporting the audience into a world of fairy godmothers, glass slippers, and charming princes. The energy and passion of the performers, all staff members of Hawkhill House, shone through, making it a truly memorable experience for everyone present.

As the final curtain fell and the performers took their bows, the sense of accomplishment was palpable. Our residents, their families, our staff, and guests expressed their joy, stating that they thoroughly enjoyed the show and the fundraising efforts had not been in vain.   The Cinderella Pantomime had successfully generated a total of £230 for Aberdeen Foyer, funds that would go towards providing second chances, learning, and development opportunities for the young people of the North East.

The spirit of giving and community solidarity lingered in the air, turning this Cinderella Pantomime into a heart-warming tale of generosity and goodwill.

Aberdeen Foyer will visit Hawkhill on the 8^th January along with some of the young people they support to meet us and discuss how we can work closer together.

And so, as the town of Hawkhill bid farewell to this magical night, they did so with the knowledge that their support had help create a brighter future for the youth in their community, proving that the magic of Cinderella went far beyond the confines of the stage.

Professor Alex McMahon, Chief Nursing Officer for the Scottish Government, recently paid a visit to two Oakminster Healthcare care homes for a ‘meet and greet’ with their team and residents.

Oakminster were able to share their vision for Social Care and explored the amazing outcomes that they continue to achieve for both their team members and those residing in the communities, alongside the post COVID-19 impact on the social care sector.

They also spoke about the requirement for greater collaboration in the funding process of acute and the social care sector and the development and the recruitment and retention of Registered nurses, and the importance of upskilling of Senior support worker/Senior Carers.

The visit provided an invaluable platform for Oakminster Healthcare to voice their perspectives on critical matters within the social care sector.

The Neilston Sting Orchestra had a everlasting performance at the Westerfield Care Home last month.  Leaving an indelible mark of joy and reminiscence among residents, families, and dedicated care staff.

The orchestra’s visit was a resounding success, residents and their families thoroughly enjoyed the performance.  The lively and energetic tunes brought back cherished memories, evoking smiles and heartfelt sing-alongs. The resounding applause and beaming faces were a testament to the profound impact of the music, leaving a lasting impression that lingered in conversations for days.

For many residents and their families, the performance served as a reminiscent journey, bringing back memories and eliciting emotional connections through the power of music.  The event not only uplifted spirits but also highlighted the profound joy and fulfilment that comes with creating meaningful experiences for those in care.

Staff were delighted to see their residents so engaged and happy, saying that it’s moments like these that makes their work fulfilling. The anticipation for the orchestra’s return and their next performance is real among everyone at Westerfield, eager to create more unforgettable moments with the Neilston Sting Orchestra.