ValleyHaven Retirement Home Visit – 16 June 2023

After a 3-year hiatus due to Covid, we were back to the ValleyHaven Retirement Home in Chilliwack on Friday 16 June to resume our annual visit. It was however a bit touch and go. At the start of the week the forecast was for rain and, after a call with the Home, it was left that we should check back on Wednesday to make a go/no-go decision. By mid-week there was improvement with a forecast for clouds with sun, 40% possibility of showers, so a “go” was decided. To advise accordingly, a message was sent to all 10 members who had signed up to come and  there was a note that weather-wise, attendance to be at their discretion. Friday dawned overcast but dry and had brightened a bit by the 10:45am meet-up time at the Home.  Seven cars got lined up and an eighth arrived a bit later, advising he’d decided to take a chance – he had a tonneau if needs be… As can be seen from the photos, there was an interesting mix of marques and models….

The residents came out for a look around, some quite sprightly, others with walkers or accompanied in wheelchairs. There was interest in all eight cars, particularly the ones with their bonnets up. Several of the men and one lady mentioned they had owned MG’s, some new, some second-hand. The residents went in for lunch around mid-day and we were invited to come in for a choice of barbequed burgers and hotdogs along with salad, tomato slices and garnishments. Dessert was vanilla ice cream with the choice of an assortment of toppings.

Whilst we were at lunch, rain started gradually, then became steady, so after finishing the meal, we took our leave.

To judge from the number of residents who came out and the conversations, our visit was much appreciated.

Run Co-ordinator Michael Hamilton-Clark

Photos by Michael Hamilton-Clark