While Covid-19 may have scuppered the official Wearable Arts show from happening in Wellington this year, it was full steam ahead for Enliven’s Woburn Home in Lower Hutt.
Staff and residents at the home spent weeks working away on outfits for the annual show, which is now a highlight in the positive ageing service provider’s calendar.
The theme this year was ‘Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle’, inspired by Woburn Home’s green initiatives to reduce waste and do their bit to help the environment.
“The residents have so much pride in the event,” says Woburn Home recreation officer Ashleigh Marr.
“They come up with the ideas, create the costumes, model them and look forward to it every year.”
Woburn Home residents Elsie and Betty were models this year. Elsie’s dress, made by Woburn Home’s day programme staff and clients, featured old CDs and album covers.
Betty’s outfit was also made by day programme clients and was covered in colourful pom poms, made by a staff member’s mother who lives nearby.
“It was a lot of fun,” Betty says of her experience walking in the show.
“My outfit was very well done – a lot of work has gone into it.”
Elsie says “excitement was simmering” around the home on the day of the show.
“The staff were so well organised; it all went so smoothly.”
Elsie’s outfit won an award for the best use of recycled materials. The outfit that won the overall award this year was named ‘Cadbury Chocolate Box’. It was made from old foil and chocolate boxes, by Woburn Home recreation officer Aynur Daymond and residents who folded and crafted the foil roses for the skirt.
The outfit was modelled by Woburn Home resident Julie Exley, who also handed out chocolates to members of the audience as she made her way down the runway.
Enliven’s Woburn Home and Apartments, located on Wai-iti Crescent, Lower Hutt, offers independent retirement living, rest home, hospital, and dementia care, as well as short-term respite, health recovery and a day programme. To learn more about the home or Enliven’s elder-centred philosophy, call 04 569 6400.
