• Knit and Natter at Christmas

    Knit and Natter at Christmas

    Mrs Bruna Zoanetti with knittingEvery year, Resthaven Westbourne Park residents in the ‘Knit and Natter’ craft group make a range of items to donate for people in need or for a community benefit.

    Together with residents at Resthaven Mitcham, they have been making Christmas baubles for the Christmas Tree at the Mitcham Cultural Village.

    Verona Rix, Lifestyle Coordinator, says, ‘This came about when the Gallery One’s knitting teacher, Lianne Gould, called into the site some weeks ago. She asked if any residents would like to knit squares to make Christmas decorations to hang in the trees at the Mitcham Cultural Village on Princess Road, Mitcham, as part of their “Bauble Bonanza” project.’

    ‘Lianne holds a regular Tuesday Crochet and Knitting group at the Mitcham Cultural Village, and needed some help to make sure there were enough red knitted Christmas baubles to decorate the trees.’

    ‘The residents loved the idea, particularly Mrs Thelma Arbon and Mrs Bruna Zoanetti.’

    ‘It’s easy’, Mrs Zoanetti explained. ‘Very simple knitting—it was fun knitting the baubles.’

    ‘We will look forward to seeing them decorating the trees for Christmas on Princess Road, Mitcham’, Verona explains.

    Marian Greenshields, Manager Residential Services, says ‘Many residents are keen to give back to the community where they can, and this is just one example.’

    ‘Other items are given to community groups such as Fred’s Van. These include knitted scarves and beanies, and squares that are made into rugs.’

    ‘It shows you are never too old to support your community.’

    ‘And the ladies were thrilled to be interviewed for an article in the local Messenger Press by journalist, Celeste Villani (pictured top).’

    Resthaven Westbourne Park is celebrating its diamond jubilee this year, having been purpose built in 1967. The residential aged care home, at 30 Sussex Terrace, Westbourne Park, is currently undergoing a $5.2 million redevelopment that will result in all resident rooms being single rooms with ensuites. A 16 place dementia-specific area is included in the development plans, along with improved access to reception.