Reunion

May 21st, 2018

Marie’s 95th birthday celebration, and while she says she doesn’t want a fuss, we choose to ignore that (she secretly loves a fuss!). Her family arrive in the afternoon to celebrate, bringing Marie’s suitcase of memorabilia with them, including the white tap shoes from her Raymond Sister days.  She has been asking about them and called them her ‘old friends’ when she saw them again, turning them over in her hands, feeling their texture and substance and the memories held within. Staff from Festival Theatre also join us at various times, adding to the jollity and, of course, we’re interested to see Marie’s collection of photos and objects. We had cake and tea and Marie led us all in a tap class and chair ballet. To top it all Paul Hudson from Festival Theatre presented Marie with her framed and professionally conserved Raymond Sister’s poster. She was delighted – what a gift! – Janice Parker