High-Flying Circus Duo Make Care Home Resident’s Wish Come True

A Dorset care home brought the circus directly into its garden to help make a wish come true for a resident.

Hilary Timson told staff at Colten Care’s Canford Chase in Poole of her long-held desire to see a show at the big top again.

Companionship Team Leader Vicky Day researched the options, saying:
“We looked at various ways we could make it happen but we couldn’t immediately find a circus taking place locally that would be accessible for Hilary, so we thought we’d bring circus artists to visit her instead.”

Vicky and colleagues found out about the Poole-based aerial hoop class Secret Circus.

Two instructors there, Chloe Bradwell and Gemma Clark-Nation, a teacher of Dance at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne, were only too pleased to come along and show off their skills at Canford Chase.

The pair performed a show using hoops that proved a real hit with onlookers gathered in the garden.

Hilary said:
“It brought back lots of very happy memories of going to the circus with my children.”

To increase interaction for Hilary and the other residents, Chloe and Gemma handed out flash cards detailing specific rolls and spins that the audience could hold up to guide and direct their next moves.

Vicky said:
“Everyone had a brilliant time and really enjoyed watching Chloe and Gemma. They put on a beautiful display, performed with skill and finesse, that really wowed residents, especially our lovely Hilary.

“We had great fun with the flashcards, and we sang and danced along with the show as our two wonderful artists performed.”

Vicky added: “Having seen the show by Chloe and Gemma, a number of residents have told us they want them back to perform at other events and celebrations so hopefully we will see them again.”