HICA residents and staff were overjoyed as they gathered for the company’s SHINE Afternoon Ball on September 14th. The event, themed around Kings and Queens, took place at The Village Hotel in Hessle, drawing more than 160 service users and staff, most of whom adorned themselves in splendid fancy dress attire. The afternoon unfolded with a sumptuous afternoon tea accompanied by lively entertainment for all attendees.
CEO Terry Peel graced the stage with a warm welcome to kick-start the event, leading into the highly anticipated Annual Awards presentation. The initial accolades were reserved for the winners of the HICA in Bloom competition, an annual contest where each HICA home crafts and cultivates a new garden space within their premises. Red House in Bridlington and Raleigh Court in Hull shared the coveted Winners Award, with Terry commending the residents’ passion and expertise in bringing their garden visions to life. The Anchorage and The Wolds Care Centre received well-deserved runner-up trophies.
The subsequent honour, the SHINE Special Mention Award, was bestowed upon The Grange for their remarkable efforts in revitalising a section of their grounds into a memorial garden. A special tribute went out to the residents, especially John, who diligently ensured the garden and plants thrived by setting his alarm to tend to them every morning.
Next in line was the Shining Star Award, which recognises outstanding staff members nominated by managers for their exceptional work. Jade Clayton, Activity Coordinator from Cranwell Court, was the deserving recipient. Judges praised Jade for her dedication to promoting person-centered care, facilitating residents’ engagement in the local community, and going above and beyond to attend to their needs, even accompanying a resident to hospital appointments alongside their spouse.
The CEO’s Special Mention Award was for the first time was bestowed upon a resident. Maureen Newlove, a resident at Cranwell Court, was elated to receive this honour, lauded for her tremendous support of the Tour De HICA event. A heartwarming video showcased Maureen’s active participation on an exercise bike.
The last award of the day was the SHINE Special Achievement Award, presented to Raleigh Court resident Micky Thomas. Micky, renowned for his TikTok channel where he entertains with his ukulele (userlollipopman) boasting over 2500 followers and 100K likes, also composed a special HICA song dedicated to the In Bloom competition. His live performance was met with joy and applause, a testament to his incredible talent.
Following the awards, singer Chris Johns took the stage, captivating the audience with his musical talents, igniting a lively atmosphere of singing and dancing. The unanimous consensus was that the event was an extraordinary success, leaving all in attendance with cherished memories of a marvellous day!
Terry Peel expressed, “Gathering once again for the annual ball and reconnecting with everyone was a true delight. The Shine Ball consistently stands out as an extraordinary event, eagerly anticipated by our residents throughout the year. This celebration owes its success to the unwavering fundraising dedication of our dedicated staff, our residents, their families, and the local community.
“Our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents extends to providing regular opportunities for them to partake in social gatherings. The Shine Ball, our grandest celebration of the year, remains a highlight for all involved.”
He went on to add, “I would personally like to thank everyone for coming today, and also the Board members who presented the awards. We are all eagerly anticipating the opportunity to make next year’s event even more magnificent and unforgettable!”