Memories, Moments and Music

As one of Opera North’s 2019 Community Partners, Caring For Life has enjoyed special access to several arts-based events and workshops throughout the year. Our beneficiaries have been invited to see opera performed, observed a rehearsal of Verdi’s ‘Aida’ at Leeds Town Hall, and even taken a backstage tour of the Grand Theatre in Leeds. 

Sean and Paul are briefed on how the recording will go by some of the Opera North team.

In addition, participants in the music project have enjoyed the privilege of working with a few of Opera North’s own talented musicians in singing various lullabies. The lullabies shared are being included in Opera North’s ongoing project entitled ‘People’s Lullabies,’ which showcases songs cherished by people all over the city.

Last week, Sean, our Drama Project Leader, was filmed with one of the gentlemen on the project, singing a rendition of ‘Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral,’ an Irish lullaby. 

Those visiting from Opera North have been excellent in the way they have worked with us, making genuine, caring connections, based on things we have in common and hold as precious—memories, moments, and music. It has had a very positive effect on all those involved.

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#CragHouseFarm #CaringForLife #CFL #OperaNorth #MusicProject #Lullaby #SongRecording

Beside the Sea

This week saw a group of people who attend the therapeutic daytime activity projects at Caring For Life on Wednesdays, head off for a trip to the seaside. For some, this was a rare opportunity to be beside the sea; indeed, a rare opportunity to get away from the city.

Anticipating sandy feet and a salty sea!

Being in such different surroundings, seeing the sandy beaches, the chalk cliffs and the vast sea itself, is all very special, and a day away at the coast can lead to lots of times for one to one chats, when people feel free to talk, away from their usual life circumstances.

Comments on the surroundings came thick and fast!

“This has made my day. It’s ages since I was on the beach like this. It’s awesome!”

“I haven’t done this in years.”

“The sea is so peaceful - so much better than being near people!”

“I feel free when I’m at the sea.”

“I Just realised that God is here with us. It’s something about the sea.” 

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#CragHouseFarm #CaringForLife #SeasideDayTrip #DayTrips #CFL #Filey

Timely Help

With a number of staff and volunteers taking leave during the school holidays, it has been a real blessing to have some timely help this week! 

Bryn is helping for a few days and has got stuck into a myriad jobs in the Nurseries. One task which has kept him really busy is strawberry picking! 

Our 'grow gutter' crops in the poly tunnels have been fruiting beautifully, producing delicious strawberries which currently appear on the Granary Restaurant menu on site, and which are also being sold by the punnet. Spare strawberries are turned into jams and sweet vinegars in our production kitchen, so it really is "strawberry time” here at Crag House Farm, the home of Caring For Life!

Anastasia is volunteering for a couple of weeks and has already been involved with deadheading in the Nurseries, has assisted on the Poultry Project and helped out in the ArtShop Project. There is plenty more time for her to volunteer on other projects and we have a full list of tasks lined up!

At Caring For Life we really appreciate and value the help of all our volunteers, and a timely bit of help is always a big boost in helping us to cope during the summer. 

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#CragHouseFarm #CaringForLife #Volunteers #LendAHand #CFL #ArtShop #GardenNursery