Summer Solstice: Care home residents celebrate with rain sticks and Tibetan singing bowl

While thousands of people gathered at Stonehenge to welcome in the longest day of the year, residents at a care home in Middlesbrough held their own celebration with a gong and a Tibetan singing bowl.

Residents at Gables Care Home on Highfield Road also used maracas, a traditional Irish drum called a bodhran, rain sticks and a large ‘grandmother’ drum.

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and is when Earth’s axis is tilted closest towards the sun. The winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year, will take place this year on 22 December.

Jessica Sumner, activities coordinator at The Gables Care Home, said: “Although everyone started out with their own rhythm, after a short time they all synchronised the beat and played out a rhythm.

“After the session everyone was smiling and feeling very relaxed.

“I love trying new things with the residents. You see a different aspect of the person when you do activities that are out of the norm. The residents really open up about different events from their lives. It’s very special.”

The music session at Gables Care Home was led by Allison O’Neill, owner of Guiding Light School of Holistic Education and Healing. She has come in and held Rainbow Tai Chi sessions for residents in the past.

Resident Mary McLean, who has dementia and struggles to communicate verbally, enjoyed playing the bodhran and singing bowl.

While fellow resident Jim Haslam, who was initially reluctant to participate in the session, also started banging the big drum with his walking stick.

click here for more details or to contact The Gables Care Home