On July 31st 2026, President Dave Wheatley and Rotarian Bob Paterson attended the Summer Garden Party at Meadowview Ward, Thurrock Hospital.
This event was to showcase the ward’s fundraising achievements and transformation of the ward into a more dementia-friendly environment.
The major persons involved in the fundraising for this project were Ward Clerk Karina Gittleson, Housekeeper Kelly Polley and Activity Coordinator Tracy Hart. Naturally, the Rotary Clubs of Grays Thurrock and Mardyke Valley were happy to be involved along with the Cross Keys Community Fund, K&B Design and 3Way Cleaning.
The transformation made to the ward involved the creation of environments providing familiarity, comfort and reassurance and this involved the creation of a bus stop, tearoom and a post office and heralded a move away from the all too familiar and institutional magnolia paint. Although these changes may seem minor to us, the staff reported that they had made a real change to those living and working on the ward.
The Garden Party was a great success and entertainment was provided by a very talented singer and an Elvis impersonator who are both regular voluntary entertainers at the ward. A great time was had by all the guests and patients.
Hopefully, this may inspire other Clubs to get involved with other inpatient services provided to those with mental illness which may be local to them.
As you can see from the photographs it has made such a difference to their environment.
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