We invited people who’s lives had been touched by the VSA in some way to share their stories. Here you will find interview recordings from people who have been supported by the VSA in many different ways, as well as hearing from those responsible for facilitating these services and the challenges they faced delivering care during a global pandemic.
Lesley Crerar, British Sign Language interpreting screen printing training to our heritage tapestry creators
Recently our lovely ladies from Aberdeen's Deaf Sewing Bee received screen print training from Ellie Turner, who is overseeing our anniversary heritage tapestry.
I recently wrote an article on how VSA changed my life and part of that article reads as follows;
“One Sunday morning after a trip to the grave I couldn’t face going home and decided to drive to Easter Anguston. There I found peace and tranquillity which calmed me down. I was a frequent visitor until the covid virus forced a closedown, but as soon as it opens, I will be back there with my kindle where I can sit and read”.
Well, I have partly kept my promise and returned to Easter Anguston taking, not my Kindle, but my son and Daughter-in-law. We spent a lovely morning walking through the farm. At one point the peace and tranquillity was shattered for a short time by an amorous peacock who spread his beautiful feathers several times and did a little dance. We decided he wasn’t showing off to us and left him to his courting. We had a friendly chat with two university students, volunteers, who obviously loved animals. Later I met a long-time friend Judith and Jackie, both previously with Carer’s support and had a chat on the workings of Easter Anguston. I am pleased to say my family and I enjoyed our morning and one thing is certain, Easter Anguston is as it was, a friendly place to visit, it has lost none of its charm and is ready for visitors to return.
Oh by the way I bought some lovely strawberries.
Until the schools re-open in August, 130 children will be taken out every fortnight to enjoy a holiday at Linn Moor. And what rosy cheeks, what happy stories of games, sing songs and walks they have to take back to town with them.
And some of them going back to homes where there is never quite enough to eat will cherish memories of platefuls of delicious porridge and soup, of creamy puddings and tasty snacks between meals.
I shall never forgot watching 155 hungry children at dinner. They all stood at long tables until Matron had said the short grace, then bedlam of talk, of spoons against enamel plates broke loose. In next to no time the plates of broth were empty and a 155 pairs of eyes watched the maids knowingly as they served out more soup, most them couldn’t wait their turn.
With pride I was shown the features of the beautifully equipped kitchen, where tea was now being prepared for the children, who would soon return from their walk.
It was time for me to go. As I stood on the veranda saying goodbye Matron and to the babies who were hanging on to her skirts we heard singing.
“There they are coming back. You’ll excuse me if I go and see about their tea, they’ll be hungry after their walk.”
My best wishes to you Matron. Your “family” is a credit to you and your organising. 12/09/1930
