News and views from our community

• Faces of Baptcare

Faces of Baptcare #41 | Meet Bryan Mooney, Volunteer Program Specialist

Talking with Bryan is energising. His active mind darts from anecdotes to philosophy, intermingled with playful asides. As Volunteer Program Partner, Lana Davis commented “engaging Bryan to be our Volunteer Program Specialist was an easy decision. Bryan brings a wealth of knowledge coupled with a vibrant can-do attitude”.Bryan’s life mirrors the Ancient Roman philosopher Seneca’s famous saying that “Life, if well lived, is long enough.” Bryan Mooney has a full, ‘well-lived’ life and we’re just grateful to be a part of it.What is your current role and what does it involve day to day?My title is Volunteer Program Specialist and it’s quite a diverse (and busy!) role. There are many, many meetings that aim to increase our volunteer numbers so as to improve the quality of life of our residents. An important part of my job is to check in with our volunteers. My aim is to let the volunteers know that we appreciate and value them, to make them feel special – because they are.Baptcare has a duty of care to look after the wellbeing and happiness of our volunteers in the same way they give back to our residents. It’s all part of a wonderful circle of care.What drew you to the world of volunteering?I’ve always had the mindset of service and giving back to the community and this has just been intensified through life experience. I guess we all go through life stages where we focus on different needs. For me from about my 30s I started to think about how I could help others and what difference could I make in life.The most valuable thing we all have in life is time. As you get older, you become conscious that time is running out. You ask yourself questions like what sort of legacy do you want to leave? Who have you impacted in this life?You’re quite the philosopher Bryan!Yes, I’m clearly feeling a bit philosophical today - and I haven’t even had a coffee yet!But I really believe that the good news stories are so important. They can be a foil against the heaviness of life.I think it’s important to highlight that life isn’t all black. There is so much good and so much joy in life and so much of that joy comes from helping others.How would you describe volunteers?Volunteers are really lovely people – beautiful souls. It is wonderful being around them.How long have you been working within the Volunteering team at Baptcare?I have been at Baptcare for a total of three years, and in the volunteering team for one-and-a-half years.What was your professional background before you joined Baptcare?I had completed a course as a Personal Care Worker (PCA) and was required to complete my qualifying hours. My teachers recommended Baptcare, so I started as a PCA trainee at Hedley Sutton aged care community. I ended up satisfying my 150 hours of training at Baptcare then was delighted when they asked if I’d like to stay.When did you move to the Lifestyle area? One day I was asked to help out in Lifestyle for the day and it was a great fit because I’m convivial and can talk under water. I ended up moving to Lifestyle permanently for six months and loved it. Baptcare Hedley Sutton wanted to keep me but they didn’t have the space but I was fortunate enough to be wooed by Baptcare Karana too. In the end I split my hours between Baptcare Hedley Sutton and Baptcare Karana.What was your role in these early days?I started driving the bus with residents for outings. Then someone from the volunteering space left from Baptcare Hedley Sutton and kindly put my name forward. This was at the very start of the pandemic, so I was able to help enforce COVID protocols, amongst other things.After nine months in the volunteering space, I was promoted into my current role as Volunteer Program Specialist. What do you like about working with Baptcare and in the volunteering space? I find working in the volunteering space really fulfilling. It reflects my values, in particular caring for and celebrating people. I think that people are beautiful spirits and souls, particularly volunteers, so it’s a privilege to work alongside them daily in my job.It also suits my skill set and personal qualities. In my job you need to be able to bond quickly and find common ground to interact effectively with people. My background in DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) with all its travel and diverse interactions means that I’m an easy match for my job.What makes a good volunteer?I think this is a redundant question. Anyone who wants to volunteer IS a perfect volunteer because they want to create change and comfort people. What is your work background?My original career was in the public service as a diplomat. I was with DFAT for 13 years. I was lucky enough to have been chosen as one of a select group for a year-long trial, and one of only two people who passed. In 1986 the Public Service approached me to discuss potential diplomatic training. My details were sent through to DFAT and then I had to undergo a range of testing before being offered a spot in the diplomatic training program.What do you mean ‘testing’?There were polygraphs done and psychological profiling – it all seemed quite James Bond to me, and the international travel appealed. Did you like being a diplomat?I loved it! I think my characteristics of being efficient, polite and discrete were a good fit too.Can you tell us a bit about life as a diplomat?Originally, I was seconded to work for Gareth Evans, then posted to Turkey for 2.5 years. After that posting, I left DFAT so I could keep travelling the world. Around this time I designed a shaving product for sensitive skin and spent a year developing the product for commercial sale.All this travel – what are some of your favourite places in the world?Turkey is close to my heart as well as Jerusalem – such a magical space – really the most beautiful city on earth. I also love Egypt and travelling through the Valley of the Kings. What did you want to be when you grew up?I wanted to do everything – mirrored by my very full life now! The way I see it is that unless you’re reincarnated you’ve got one shot at life so it’s good to experience whatever you can.(Ed. This reminds us of the Roman philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca’s quote “Life, if well lived, is long enough.”)We can feel some more philosophy coming on Bryan. (And still without caffeine – impressive!)Yes, I think that learning is infinite in this ‘school of life’ we live in. It’s good to keep improving yourself.For me, my aim is to build wide life skills because these will mean I can empathise with, and help, more people. Can you tell us 2 surprising things about yourself?I built my own 100 kilogram record turntable! (photo below). It took me almost a year to make in my spare time.Also, I was obsessed with martial arts from the age of five to 27 years old. I was addicted to it but didn’t compete. I’m not interested in competitive levels in life – just the experience itself. We’ve heard on the grapevine that you’re into music. Who are your favourite bands/musicians? I love all types of music from classical music when I grew up to opera, ballet, experimental jazz, avant garde and even German psychedelic rock. It transports me to other worlds.My favourite living artist is NIls Frahm.Do you play any music?While I’m heavily into the musical thing, I don’t play any instruments. But I do enjoy looking for rare and obscure vinyls and first pressings. We’re so lucky in Australia. I reckon we have the best record shops in Melbourne and Sydney.I also love going to concerts.Do you have a favourite quote or motto in life?Carpe diem – seize the day. If you could sit next to someone at a dinner party, who would it be and why?Alexander the Great.Assuming that I could understand ancient Macedonian/Greek, I would like to ask him how he accomplished as much as he did in his 32 years of life, and how he found being taught by Aristotle.

• 18 May 2023

National Volunteer Week: Meet Dawn and Margo

Baptcare volunteeringBaptcare has a proud history of volunteering. Seventy-eight years ago, a group of Baptist women joined together, raised the phenomenal sum of £4000 and worked with the local community to open Australia’s first Baptist home for older people. Our work was established by volunteers - and that spirit remains today in partnership with our volunteers who have contributed over 247,000 hours of service this financial year. Volunteers like the wonderful Dawn Evans and Margo Kendall who have a combined commitment of seventy-one years of volunteering service. Here’s their story.You have been lifelong friends. How did you meet?It all started with our husbands, Nevill (Kendall) and Ian (Evans). They met at school at ages six and seven and had an ongoing friendship when they married us. We all eventually met and fast became inseparable friends.How did your volunteering journey begin?Margo volunteered at a local Aged Care Facility called Wyndham Lodge, in 1987. After one of the meetings, we were invited to, "bring a friend " along to the next meeting. Margo brought along Dawn and, as they say in the classics, the rest is history!Margo took up the role of President twenty-two years ago and still holds that position today. Dawn started in 1989, took up the role of Secretary, a role that she still performs to this day.Long before Baptcare had Volunteer Coordinators or a Lifestyle Team, Margo and Dawn became the forerunners for both of these groups. The recruitment of volunteers was their responsibility along with keeping our residents entertained. Margo and Dawn organised different shows and the residents loved their performances. Along with support from other volunteers they would produce these shows to raise much needed funds for Wyndham Lodge.Margo and Dawn remember these shows fondly, including acts like a wartime tribute to Vera Lynne and vaudeville, and performances of songs from the Village People and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.What is that you enjoy about volunteering?The ladies don’t miss a beat before they respond: “We love our local community and have formed a real connection to it over the years. It’s an honour to be able to help others in need.”Our heartfelt thanks to Dawn and Margo for all that you’ve given to Baptcare and our community. As stated by Keith Charlesworth, Volunteer Co-ordinator, “their service to Baptcare is incredible – lasting over seventy years. To put this in perspective, Baptcare has only been in existence for seventy-six years, so it’s really an amazing feat. Baptcare is a better place with Dawn and Margo in it.”

• 16 May 2023

National Volunteers Week 2023 Meet Digital Stories volunteer, Jo Lister

An occupational therapist by profession, Jo’s motivation for currently studying counselling (with an aim to practice within the aged care setting) explains why she is such a great fit for her current volunteering role at Baptcare – namely, to befriend and create a digital story of Hedley Sutton resident, John.“If people don’t feel seen or understood, then change is more difficult. If people have their emotions validated, it’s easier for them to go forward and make changes in their life,” said Jo.Jo definitely makes John feel seen and heard. She is clearly one of the change makers upon whom this National Volunteer Week is based.What is your professional background?I am an Occupational Therapist (OT) and am currently studying a Graduate Diploma in Counselling.Why Counselling?I’ve always been drawn to the talk-therapy side of my practice. I find it really makes a difference for clients and is rewarding, so I’m developing my skills in this area. I’m loving the study!What drew you to volunteering?I wanted to give something back. My children are older now, so I felt that I had the time and space to do some dedicated volunteering.Have you done any volunteering in the past?I have done two weeks volunteering in a Sri Lankan kindergarten and taken on voluntary roles at my children’s school, but nothing ongoing.This Swinburne Digital Story project is my longest volunteering commitment.What is involved in creating the digital story?I’ve made a minimum commitment of 2.5 hours each week. In addition to the weekly 90-minute training at Swinburne on reminiscence therapy and digital storytelling skills, I spend an hour visiting with John at Hedley Sutton and hearing his stories. Finally, I will create a digital story product for John.What drew you to the Digital Story Program Aged Care?As a Graduate Diploma of Counselling student at Swinburne, I received an email from Swinburne advertising the project. I started volunteering in January 2023, but the recruitment process started in late 2022.Most of my career has been working with older adults and it’s the space I want to work in as a counsellor.I’ve spent a lot of time in residential aged care (RAC) communities and can see the incredible value digital stories can give to the RAC staff, as well as the resident.Research has shown that the digital story has the potential for the staff to view the resident profiled as a whole person - someone with a rich history and a life before they moved into residential care, and hopefully that helps the staff and resident to find a connection. It also acts as a person-centred training tool.What do you enjoy about volunteering with the Digital Story Program Aged Care?I really believe that the digital stories have potential to make a difference.I sit for an hour and listen to John and hope that he enjoys sharing his stories. It’s wonderful that he gets to have a full identity and to be reminded of the things he’s achieved and to be actively heard and seen.I enjoy spending time with John. We laugh and joke together and have an easy rapport. (I even tease him a bit!). I also enjoy hearing him reminisce about his life and think it’s a powerful thing for him to be able to tell his stories.Why do you like volunteering?It feels good!I feel like it’s a little thing I can do that might make a difference to someone’s life and that feels good.It’s not a huge time commitment and even if it makes a little difference, that feels worthwhile.

• 12 May 2023

• Faces of Baptcare

Meet Mark Castro, our Faces of Baptcare #40 and new member of the In Home Care team

What is your role at Baptcare, and can you describe a typical day in your job?I'm currently stepping up as the Interim In Home Care Nurse Manager. I was previously one of the clinical care leads of our nursing team. Our team aim is to make sure all patient care is well co-ordinated. On my average day of work, I usually start by checking emails, then I spend most of my day taking phone calls from colleagues and carers working in the field. There are also regular calls from other departments and families.What do you like about working with Baptcare and in the IHC space? What I really like with Baptcare is the sense of community.Did you always want to work within the caring space?Well, apart from my dreams of being a professional sportsman – yes! My parents encouraged me to pursue nursing studies as a way of pursuing ‘the greener pastures’ as we always say in my birth country, The Philippines. And I’m glad that I’ve followed this path. Working in the healthcare industry gives me opportunities to learn new and exciting things every day while giving care to people who need my help. My personal and professional growth is nurtured in this space.What did you want to be when you grew up?When I was young, I really wanted to play sports professionally. I used to play basketball but nowadays I just watch it.Can you tell us two surprising things about yourself?I do photography as a hobby. Also, I can cook and bake when asked to although I can’t promise it will be good (but at least I try!)Tell us about your photography.I don’t have a favourite photographer, but I follow the works of Sam Kolder, Chris Burkard, Dani Diamond and Brandon Woelfel. I do a mix of landscape, astrophotography and portrait photography. One of my photos recently won a local camera store competition which was really exciting. (Ed. Photo included in this article!).We hear that you’re a new dad? Tell us about your baby and what has surprised you about parenting so far.Yes, I am a father to Matteo who just turned six months recently. The saying that time flies is an understatement! It feels like yesterday that my wife and I were at the hospital waiting for Matteo to arrive. He's such a sweet and observant little boy and has recently been attending baby sensory classes and really enjoys them.What surprises me the most is that 24 hours is too short when you have a baby. Also, I never knew I could worry so much about him. The love you have for your child is really special and it’s really the best feeling for me and my wife.I’d like to acknowledge all the other full time working parents (dad and mums) out there who are also heavily involved in raising their children.Do you have a favourite quote or motto in life?Respect is earned by action alone, not self-gratification. (Paul Combs)How would your friends describe you?My friends would describe me as a silent, easy-going type of guy, but helpful and approachable.Can you describe your ideal weekend?An ideal weekend for me would include some free time for myself – free from the usual hustle and bustle of the working week. It would involve catching up on some sleep and an excuse to avoid a routine. I enjoy hanging out with my family or our friends over a barbecue or going for long drive to take unique photos. It may also involve going on an outdoor family adventure and spending quality time with my family, especially as a new dad.Do you have a mentor or idol? I would say that I idolise my parents for everything they have done to ensure that me and my siblings can be successful.

• 02 May 2023

Congratulations to Evelyn Wakeling | Celebrating an amazing 40 years of volunteer service at Baptcare

Recently, the team at Baptcare came together in celebrating an astounding milestone – 40 years of volunteer service by our much-loved team member, Evelyn Wakeling.The festivities started with a service of thanksgiving at our Hedley Sutton Community in Canterbury. Evelyn is a talented volunteer pianist at Baptcare. Funnily enough, even though to the service was to celebrate and thank Evelyn, she provided the piano accompaniment as cherished hymns were sung to honour her service.A special lady with a very special talentEveryone attending was transported by Evelyn’s flawless performance of Oh, love that will not let me go.The hymn was published in 1882 by George Matheson, a Scottish minister who went blind at an early age and was spurned by his fiancée who couldn’t face life with a sight-impaired husband. He wrote the verses on the eve of his own sister’s marriage, at a time when he was alone and no doubt, reflecting on his own personal loss and hardship:Oh, joy that seeks me through the painI cannot close my heart to TheeI trace the rainbow through the rainAnd feel the promise is not vainThat mourn shall tearless beEvelyn effortlessly conveyed the emotion of the piece . She has been playing since the age of five, so we were in expert hands.“I started lessons quite young – my father was a trained baritone singer and I guess the family thought I could learn piano and accompany him,” laughed Evelyn.But there’s something more to her skill than just decades of practice and performance. Pressed further to explain how she manages to convey such beautiful emotion with her playing – and bring a 140-year-old hymn to life, Evelyn’s formula was simple in its brilliance. “I play the words – not the music,” she said. “That’s the key. And that’s what is important to me.”Therein lies the essence of her magic. Evelyn instinctively feels the meaning behind the lyrics and it flows from mind to body as the most perfect expression of emotion. The piano filled Hedley Sutton’s lounge area with waves of warmth, hope and tenderness.A powerful teamEvelyn’s appreciation of the beautiful hymns we sang can be traced back to the early 1980s at the East Kew Baptist Church. Her husband was the pastor of the church, preaching at Hedley Sutton and Karana services. Evelyn would arrive early, playing piano as the residents streamed in accompanied by their Carers. The older hymns were firm favourites. “They may not have known the words, but they knew the melody,” she says. “Even when they’ve forgotten the words, they can hum along to the music.”Sadly, Evelyn’s husband passed away in 2000 – but her motivation to continue playing for our residents never dimmed. “My husband and I were a team,” explains Evelyn, “and I just wanted to continue after he died. I feel so loved and needed by everyone. That’s important for all of us.”A poem of thanks to mark 40 years of serviceThe feelings of gratitude and appreciation from all of us at Baptcare are best summed up by another much loved member of our team, Hedley Sutton’s chaplain, David Ware. A talented poet, he delivered the beautiful sentiments of everyone present in his new piece, ‘Super Glad’ (excerpt below):The magic’s found in spiritAnd a soul infused with heartA faith that has no limitsIn which we all do share a part. It’s seen in every gift we bringAnd in generous friendship foundIt’s grounded in a daily careThat continues to astound. Today we pause to celebrateSo much that has been doneAs we give thanks for hope’s promisesAnd for all we’ve shared as one.Once the service finished, we adjourned to the Hedley Sutton café where balloons and flowers cheerfully celebrated Evelyn’s 40 years of volunteer service. The tables were quickly filled by residents, volunteers, staff and friends who all adore Evelyn .David spoke with joy about meeting Evelyn back in 2014. “The piano we had back then came out of Noah’s Ark, I think!” he said with a sparkle in in his eye. “A couple of keys didn’t work but that didn’t matter to Evelyn – her playing flowed so beautifully.”Others in the room spoke not just to her musical talents but also to Evelyn’s generosity of spirit.“So lovely and easy to work with.”“A great team player – so flexible!”The compliments were overflowing. Forty years of volunteer service is a tremendous milestone and, perhaps, a record at Baptcare.Fond memories and friendships Interestingly, Evelyn’s connection to Baptcare reaches further back than her commencement as a volunteer in the 1980s. Her mother was involved in the Victorian Baptist Women’s Association which was integral to the establishment of Strathalan, which marked the beginning of our not-for-profit organisation in the 1940s. “Mum always talked about how important it was to be doing something for senior citizens and providing services for them,” said Evelyn. And so, from mother to daughter, the seed of compassion and service was planted and has grown to bear this remarkable fruit of 40 years of volunteering.Evelyn has so many fond memories from across the years. “People thank me for my hard work, but the word ‘hard’ doesn’t come into it,” she chuckled. From remembering sitting with her treasured friend, Glennys, over lunch after finishing her volunteer shift, to recalling good times with another chum, Margaret. “Such an encourager!” explains Evelyn when speaking of Margaret. “Her memories of the old days were amazing! She loved her football and her tipping.” To meeting another fellow ‘muso,’ John, whose mum was a resident at Hedley Sutton.“I knew his mum because I worked with her on the residents’ committee. That’s when I realised that John was a very talented organist,” says Evelyn. “We were trying to put together a book of hymns to play for our residents – it was taking time. Well, John came in with a big folder of music within a week! He’s so efficient. And now it’s there for everybody to use.”Feeling embraced by this strong community of volunteers, residents and staff has played a key part in keeping Evelyn going over the years. While this is our opportunity to give thanks for Evelyn’s service, she is at pains to point out the strong contribution of others along her journey. “I want to say a tremendous word of thanks and appreciation to David, the chaplain here at Hedley Sutton,” said Evelyn. “Last year when I was unwell, he rang me all the time to make sure I was OK and had everything I needed. And while I can’t say I’ll be back in every week at this point, I know I’m welcome to come in at any time.”“That is music to my ears!” responded David with a broad smile. While we are all looking forward to seeing Evelyn again and hearing her beautiful music, after 40 years of continuous service we know she’s earned the right to put her feet up and relax.As Evelyn received her Certificate of Appreciation and presents, surrounded by her Baptcare friends, David summed up what we were all feeling: “We are so thrilled to have you as part of our team, Evelyn. We hold you in our hearts always and cannot thank you enough for your service.”

• 21 Apr 2023

• Residential Aged Care

Meet Jean Wilson

I was born in Harrow in the UK. I married my late husband Granville in 1946 and moved to Australia in 1950. I have five children, eight grandchildren and six great- grandchildren.

• 17 Apr 2023

For Monica, the eyes have it

Great communicators use whatever tools they have available to make a connection.For Monica Miranda, that means maximising the impact of her eyes.Monica started work as a Personal Care Assistant at Baptcare Coasthaven Aged Care Community just before the Covid-19 pandemic hit Australia.This means that (like all staff) she has worn a mask for almost all of her three-and-a-half years at Coasthaven. It is very important that staff wear masks and other PPE as appropriate, as a way to keep everyone safe.However it means that most residents have never seen her full face.“They all know us by our eyes,” Monica says.“Communication is such an important part of our work, customarily we use our whole face when we communicate, but when I’m working I only have my eyes, so I use them as well as I can to communicate with our residents. I try to be the best ‘eye communicator’ I can be.“The best way to look after someone is to really get to know them. If you know a person’s story you will understand their preferences, and how you can then best meet their needs.“Before starting this line of work I did a lot of research. Working in aged care was not a random decision.“I am doing this job for the right reasons – because I believe in caring, and I want to help people. With this industry, you have to be here because you really care. You need patience, tolerance and caring. It is the right job for me because I really enjoy connecting with people.”Originally from bustling Bogota in Colombia, Monica now calls Geelong home. “Bogota is a very busy city, but in Geelong everything is close. I love heading down to Torquay or Anglesea to walk along the beach,” Monica says.“When I started at Coasthaven I was the first staff member on the ground floor, when we had only three residents there. Now every room on the ground floor is full, which is great.“You have to work in other places to really understand how great Coasthaven is. Coasthaven is heaven, because we have staff ratios that allow us to connect properly with the people we care for.“We have the time to truly do our job properly, and managers who know that care is the absolute centre of everything we do.”

• 11 Apr 2023

Baptcare’s Uncle Charles invited to be part of historic Bill signing

Baptcare congratulates Uncle Charles Jackson OAM on his recent involvement in a moment of historic importance: the signing of the bill recognising the First Nations Voice to the South Australian Parliament.Uncle Charles is a valued part of Baptcare’s Family and Community Services team and works as an NDIA Local Area Coordinator in South Australia’s Yorke Mid-North region.Uncle Charles was one of a select group of Aboriginal community members invited to walk with the Speaker of the House, Terry Stephens, as he delivered the Bill to the Governor, and to witness the signing of the Bill.This invitation acknowledges Uncle Charles’ dedication and commitment to the development and progression of this Bill.“The day brought lots of emotion for me personally,” Uncle Charles said.“There were five or six thousand people gathered there to celebrate ‘The History in the Making’.“This milestone in our state has laid the foundation for the rest of the states and federal governments to do likewise. The passing of the Bill will give First Nations people the capability to advocate, negotiate and influence the policies that have direct responsibility for service delivery.“At present, there are no mechanisms within the government framework to involve Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. What we have now is a legislative document which stipulates how the government process will work when dealing with matters that concern First Nations people.”Baptcare is proud and grateful to have a person of such stature working with us. Congratulations Uncle Charles!

• 06 Apr 2023

Pauline showcases the power of art at Coasthaven

Pauline Tilley has magic in her fingertips. She knits, does cross-stitch and paints. Her work is a highlight of the Artist In Residence exhibition at Baptcare Coasthaven Aged Care Community.She is also a great supporter of her fellow creatives. In a speech to welcome Baptcare CEO Geraldine Lannon to the art show, Pauline said, “Art can be described as vibrant, vivid, dramatic, animated, stimulative and evocative.“When the concept of this was originally put to us, little did we know what ideas would germinate from those first thoughts. From behind closed doors came an incredible array of artistic talents. People have been beavering away in their rooms creating their amazing works of art. We have painters of all genres, woodcarvers, knitters, crocheters, pen and ink artists, needleworkers, diamond painters, and those who just love to colour in.”Pauline has lived at Coasthaven since 2020. Her life story includes growing up on a dairy farm near Apollo Bay, working in a frock salon, training as a woollen fabric mender, working for the railways, in catering and family assistance in the social welfare sector. No matter what work occupied her days, she always made time for art and craft.“I get a great sense of satisfaction knowing I can do these things,” Pauline said. “I do all sorts of knitting, including Fair Isle and Aran. I make dolls.“One of my latest enthusiasms is diamond painting, where you place tiny dots of colour on a canvas, following a set pattern – it is similar in that regard to cross-stitch. It is very time consuming and tests the eyesight, but I like the result.”Organising the exhibition as part of the resident-led art committee was an eye-opener. “The amount of artistic talent we have here at Coasthaven I simply didn’t know about before. It has given us a sense of achievement and a sense of belonging.”Pauline regularly attends nearby Cloverdale Community Centre for art lessons. So far she has learned acrylic and oil painting, and she is looking forward to starting with watercolours soon. Her bigger goal is to take an online course through the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court in England.“Pauline is absolutely amazing,” Coasthaven Lifestyle Coordinator Nora Wee said. “Her talent is incredible, and we are so proud to be able to nurture her interest in art, and the work she has done to help stage the exhibition has been a real gift to her fellow residents.”

• 04 Apr 2023