New Year's Eve 2010
This New Years Eve the team at jacksplace brought in 2011 with a celebratory party for the young adults who visit the hospice and their families. The party, which was open to visitors over the age 14, of both jacksplace and Naomi House, was only the second of its kind and the first since the new hospice was officially opened by the Countess of Wessex in the autumn on 2010.
The party got into full swing with all of the guests adopting the masquerade theme wearing masks of different designs and colour. Jacksplace was also appropriately decorated for the theme with large masquerade masks that some of the children and young people had designed. These were all in different colours and covered with glitter and felt. The masks were a product of “messy play” especially for New Years Eve and were proudly displayed for the evening. There was no other dress stipulation other than masks but people certainly did dress to impress and came along in some lovely outfits.
The evening was really important for the young people who attended; for many it was the first time they had ever been to a party because many places do not have the facilities or access needed to support their equipment or medical needs. Jacksplace strives towards being able to offer privacy, independence and dignity, which is exactly what the team helped those attending to achieve, and not forgetting a large dose of fun!
The party was attended by just over fifty people including eleven different families. All of whom were treated to a night of entertainment including live music and a table top magician. Two of the young adults who sometimes stay at the hospice were also brave enough to perform for all the guests; Matthew sang for the audience and John performed an impressive guitar solo.
Kate, who sometimes stays at jacksplace, was present on New Year’s Eve to enjoy all of the festivities. She commented, “The party tonight has been so much fun, the magician was really good and I have loved the masquerade theme. It’s been really nice to be here tonight , meet some of the other families, have a good time, and not have to worry about anything”. All of the families echoed that being at jacksplace was particularly special as it meant they could all enjoy New Years Eve together in comfortable and familiar surroundings.
New Years Eve was a huge success and marks what will hopefully be another fun and successful year for Naomi House and jacksplace.
Particular thanks is due to the Starlight Foundation Trust and IBM Basingstoke who both made donations specifically for the New Year’s event which many people were able to enjoy. Without their donations the evening would not have been possible.
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