We catch up with the latest goings-on at The Fed.
The transition from winter to spring is underway at The Fed. At Heathlands Village, the Heathlands in Bloom project has restarted, with residents and volunteers clearing the grounds and planting bulbs
ready for the warmer weather. In its first year the venture achieved its aims of encouraging villagers to spend more time outdoors, promoting their mental and physical wellbeing, while also brightening up the patio and gardens.
Purim arrived in late February with clear blue skies adding to the joy. In the village there were two concerts by Jack Maurer and Jackie Harrison, plenty of silly costumes, an abundance of Hamantaschen, and lots of gift-giving and receiving.
Out in the community, The Fed’s Bar Bat Mitzvah programme – which offers a gateway for young people to gain a better understanding of charity and communal responsibility – neared the end of its annual
cycle. Participants learned how The Fed supports clients in the community, organised a bake sale and a sports day fundraiser, and organised an afternoon tea for several service users. Their graduation celebration will be held in June.
And of course, Pesach arrived which is a huge undertaking at Heathlands. All three main kitchens and smaller household kitchens had to be made Kosher Le Pesach; two community seders were held on site and The Fed’s Community Advice and Support Team (CAST) and Volunteer Services team packed and delivered 125 Passover food parcels with seder gifts for those most in need in the community.
Everyone at The Fed wished a very happy birthday to a very special lady when Heathlands Villager, Lea Glaskie, turned 105 years old. The oldest living member of The Shrubberies and former owner of ‘Lieberman’s’ outfitters, Lea is a hugely popular figure. Granada Reports turned up to interview her about her special day and royal birthday greetings arrived from the King and Queen Consort.