On December 17 once again I was looking at the weather map to see if we would be able to have our Christmas party in the garden.  It was a cracker of a day with about 60 - 70 people enjoying the jazz band 'On the Lips' and ten tons of party finger food arrived with everyone.

I made my end of year review speech look back on the year.  The people we had sadly lost and the people who have arrived at the Beacon and who we are getting to know.  One of those people is Chris.  Sadly when you reach 65 years of age your time with us is over.  It is never easy to say goodbye to someone you have grown to like and respect but the rule is just to ensure we always have room for the new people who have often just been diagnosed and need our support.

The truth is no one would leave the Beacon as they have such a good time! and we would eventually end up with an aged care service.  I thought you might like to read Chris's lovely and clever poem.  It was a surprise to receive it and must of taken her ages to compose. 

A poem by Christine (Chris) Davies

 For me the year 2000 was not a good call
Many downs but the ups made up for it all
For three long years I suffered in strife
Until I decided to take control of my life.

Crutches then walker made my confidence lack
When my wheelchair was given I got it all back
With Rosalie I made visits up here on the hill
But I wasn't yet ready for my day to fill.

In January 04 I got a call from Lynne
'We have a space at the Beacon, would you like to come in'?
I cried with pleasure - there was no grief
John was ecstatic, he sighed with relief.

Firstly with Brenda we covered boxes
The paper we used was patterned and bright
Grandma's album now had a home which was right.

Caroline and Rachel were here from the start
It wasn't till later Rachel had to depart.

'Pottery' said Lynne to the ladies and males
I cringed at the thought of clay under my nails
'No no' said Pauline 'I roll the clay
Now you draw, and paint it another day'
First I made a coloured fish
And even now it's my favourite dish.

We painted silk, and made silk scarves
We didn't do anything in halves
Beads for the neck and beads for the ears
These are the ones we made in pairs.

Glenn found a mate and sat by her side
Rosemary made lunch and so we were fed
Gary sat beside me while I buttered his bread
Quizzes came next, and then home with a ride.

When Glenn got too old he got very teary
And Gary decided he was getting too weary
We became very social, now a female group
Gossiping, shopping, lunching - a happy troop
We did miss Lynnie when she decided to go
And later on we welcomed Jo.

We became quite famous - it was very nice
Not once on the telly but we did it twice
That was due to Beverley and the Beacon book
And to Bev my hat off I took
Bev designed capes not to be worn in the sun
And showed us that reaching your goal can be done.

We love having Jacqui and we love having Liz
Jacqui's questions are hard in the quiz
Then added to the crew was a girl called Trixie
She plied us with clothes and made us look friskie.

We were sad to lose Gloria earlier this year
She's gone to a place where there's nothing to fear.

There's a guard dog named Gizzie
Who barks at us all and keeps herself busy.

Clients have come and clients have gone
But between us all now the bond is so strong
That emails and visits will keep us in touch.

My biggest accolade goes to Lynne
Without her I'd never have been in
Thank you all for the wonderful years
I'll remember the laughter without any tears
Tuesdays up here will be sadly missed
I'll be at home doing my Bucket List.

Thank you also for the fabulous book
No-ones allowed from our home without a good look
Now, it's time to turn the page
As I've reached the golden age.