Residents, staff, Trustees and the relatives of some of our former villagers joined together for our charity’s first Time for Reflection event recently. The Whiteley Village Choir gave a very moving performance and at the end of the evening those attending were invited to hang a message on a Tree of Reflection, and given a bunch of daffodils wrapped in yellow and blue ribbons – both the colours of the National Day of Reflection (being held today) as well as the flag of Ukraine – in solidarity with those suffering there. One resident said: “It was a lovely way to recognise the last two years but also had a positive feel, for new beginnings.”
Rachel Hill, Trust CEO said: “I am sure many of us can’t wait to put the last two years behind us. As we so often see with such terrible events – and most recently with the tragic war in Ukraine, they can bring out the worst but also the absolute best in people.
“So, as chief executive of The Whiteley Homes Trust, I also want to add my heartfelt thanks to our staff and our resident and local volunteers, whose exceptional and tireless commitment has ensured villagers have been cared for, supported and protected throughout the pandemic. This is indeed a very special community and I could not be more proud of it – or of our wonderful charity.
“Because of the work we do with older people, inevitably there will always be the need for residents’ loved ones and us as staff, to come together to remember and reflect on those we have lost during the year. But this first reflection event is particularly poignant.
“Some of us here, including myself, lost family, friends and neighbours during the pandemic for whatever reasons, both from inside the Village and from our local community. But too many have not had the chance to grieve properly.
“Years ago, people were often encouraged to suppress their emotions and sadness, but now we understand that being able to express and share our feelings is vital to the healing process.
“Given the shocking events unfolding in eastern Europe, some of us may just want to be together to think of, and to show solidarity with those fleeing the conflict, those trying to rescue and protect them, and those left behind or bravely fighting to protect their county.
“We chose the symbol of a tree for our Time for Reflection because we felt it illustrated so well how we all grow in experience, knowledge and strength. Just as pruning helps shrubs and trees grow back stronger, it is often the hard times we learn from the most, and like a tree with its bleak, bare branches in winter, strong roots buried deep out of sight help ensure those branches burst into green life come the Spring.
“So, whatever your reasons for being here with us tonight, I sincerely hope this time together helps you in your own personal journey of reflection and renewal and will help us all look to the future with hope and positivity.”
