BLACKPOOL TOWER DREAM CAME TRUE

I arrived at Sandpipers to a very warm welcome. Everyone was so nice and friendly. We were greeted with homemade cakes and refreshments. I liked seeing familiar faces together with some nice new faces. I also booked some trips – Chester Zoo as I love animals – and Blackpool. Sharon, my former school friend, has also joined me on holiday once again this year. We’ve been friends for 46 years. This uniting holiday between two friends was possible by very kind courtesy of Help Musicians UK. We sat down to a lovely supper – fish and chips which were yummy. I feel very happy and contented. I slept well in a very nice room too.

Sunday:

I woke up to a lovely shower and healthy breakfast. Muesli, grapefruit, scrambled eggs on toast, coffee, apple juice. Then we sat out on the patio overlooking the Marina – heaven. The views from the patio are beautiful. My friend Brian and Sharon’s husband joined us for lunch. Then about 20 of us sat outside on the patio and we all chatted just like we had been friends forever. Then Sharon sang to my piano playing in front of others. It was a very happy music session, followed by a roast dinner. Then live entertainment. The best part for me was making friends, old and new.

Doves guest blogger Shirley with friend Brian on holiday at Sandpipers

Tomorrow, Chester Zoo.

Monday:

I’ve had a really lovely day today. We went to Chester Zoo with my friend Sharon and other nice people. I loved seeing all the animals surrounded by beautiful trees, green scenery, lovely plants and water scenes. I really enjoyed the butterfly house surrounded by beautiful, brightly coloured butterflies flying everywhere. I also loved the colourful and radiant fishes, aquariums, baby rhinos, camels, buffaloes, monkeys, birds and flamingos. Chester Zoo and its surroundings were quite breath taking. I love all animals and Chester Zoo was a real treat for me as a wheelchair user.

This life changing holiday ranks with one of the best I’ve had. Everyone is very nice, kind and friendly. I’m having a wonderful, relaxing and therapeutic time.

Shirley out on excursion to Chester Zoo while on holiday at Sandpipers Shirley out on excursion to Chester Zoo with Doves staff while on holiday at Sandpipers

Tuesday:

The wonderful live entertainment and care last night meant that I enjoyed a lie in today. I enjoyed a cooked breakfast followed by a lovely chat with one of the staff and Sharon over coffee. Then, I really enjoyed drawing a stained glass window painting to take home. After lunch, Sharon and I went to Dobbies Garden Centres where I bought some gifts and a lovely jumper in the sale, followed by fresh coffee in a china cup and saucer. Very refined! Then, once we returned to Sandpipers, Sharon sang whilst I played the piano, like old school times. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. And just for me, Eugene made a lovely tiramisu. The food and care is of an exceptionally high standard. Nothing is too much trouble for anyone.

Shirley out on excursion to Dobbies Garden Centres while on holiday at SandpipersShirley enjoying a cup of tea while out on excursion to Dobbies Garden Centres at Sandpipers

Wednesday:

Sharon and I have just performed an hour’s recital for everyone at Doves. It was an hour’s worth of happy music making (including me getting the giggles). We played music from musical shows, me on the piano and Sharon singing angelically. I felt very overwhelmed and touched that we were performing together once again. There will never be a singing partner like Sharon. It made me feel very happy.

Shirley and friend Sharon performing for guests at Sandpipers

Thursday:

I have always wanted to go to the Blackpool Tower and today my dream came true. Doves took me, Sharon, and staff Libby and Katie to see live ballroom dancing at the Blackpool Tower. They danced to a live organist and someone else played the Wurlitzer which came out of the stage. They were very fine musicians who played and improvised all afternoon. I loved the choice and variety of music from classical to Pop and Jazz. And, there were some children dancing also – very sweet! I could have sat there all day! The building was beautiful and wheelchair friendly. I loved the decor. When I next see Strictly Come Dancing perform at the Blackpool Tower, I will visualise it from a completely different artistic viewpoint. I have seen the Wurlitzer played live at the Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square, London but this was something else. The musicians were brilliant as were the beautiful dancers. Everyone was very accommodating of me and my wheelchair. I am a song and dance pianist and loved every moment of being at Blackpool Tower. Thanks to Doves and Help Musicians UK for this memorable trip.

Shirley out on excursion to Blackpool Tower with Doves staff while on holiday at Sandpipers

Friday:

Today is party night. After breakfast, Sharon, staff Heather and I went to M&S. I bought a lovely evening scarf which I am wearing with my party outfit tonight. It matches perfectly with my attire and is a lovely keepsake – a reminder of my perfect holiday. Then Sharon and I had some beauty treatments done before spending some time together at the piano where I sang and the notes were brought to life once again by Sharon’s beautiful singing voice.

Later on I sat around our supper table with my new Doves friends and Sharon. The staff have made my holiday, including Katie and Heather, and those who have helped me to write these blogs, Dillon and Hugo.

Shirley busy writing her Doves blog entries with the help of Doves staff
Jack has a lovely dog called Henry and we were visited this afternoon by two miniature ponies, which I loved to stroke.

Miniature ponies visiting Sandpipers Miniature ponies visitng Sandpipers

Now, after a hearty supper, we will enjoy the live entertainment. I have had a perfect ending to a perfect holiday.