Residents at a care home have been flying high after organising their own kite festival.
The sky above Pendine Park in Wrexham was a blaze of colour after the residents designed and made the kites.
The festival was the idea of enrichment and activities co-ordinator Elaine Lee who works at Penybryn, a centre of excellence for younger people with neurological problems caused by acquired brain injury and conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis and stroke.
Elaine said: “I try and think up new ideas that will stimulate and inspire our residents. We worked on designing and making some of our own kites while assembling some from kits.
“It’s something different and an activity everyone seemed to enjoy. The arts in all its forms is an important part of everyday life here and the craft skills required to make the kits are an example of how the activities enrich the lives of not only the residents but also the staff who work here.
“It was good to see residents coming up with ideas and suggestions as to the design of the kites and how to get them flying. It’s been a good fun day with lots and lots of laughter.
Penybryn resident Emma Barber, 42, who hails from Lixwm, near Holywell, had a great time designing her kite.
She said: “I always enjoy doing craft work and I like making things like kites. It’s been really good fun. I wasn’t sure if we’d get them to fly but we did manage to get a few up in the air which was good.
“I like doing things which I can design myself. I like to make things colourful and bright. It’s better to be doing things than sat watching TV which is boring.”
Fellow resident Mike Blakely, 58, who hails from Holywell says he too enjoyed making kites and watching as they were flown.
He said: “I have to use a wheelchair after suffering a stroke so couldn’t try and fly a kite myself but it was fun to watch and enjoyed making them. It was good to be outside too.
“We do a lot of craft work and Elaine is brilliant at coming up with new ideas. We had a real good laugh especially when one of the kites got caught up in a tree in the garden.”
Resident Tony Ithell, 59, who hails from Ellesmere Port and who also suffered a major stroke, says he had a lot of fun making and flying the kites.
He said: “We had a really good laugh especially trying to fly the kites. What we needed was a good wind but it was a bit quiet. We did get a couple up in the air though and maybe we can try again on a windier day.
“It’s always good having something to do like making kites. I enjoy using my hands and making things. I like the challenge and it’s good to work with some of my mates who also live at Penybryn.”
