Window of Memories

A beautiful stained glass window designed and made by patients and volunteers at Stratford’s Shakespeare Hospice was officially unveiled on Saturday 10 July at the annual fete. Harry Potter star David Bradley (who plays Filch in the Harry Potter films), and Stratford’s Mayor, Coun Sheila Sandle helped with the unveiling, alongside glass artist Karen Jones and hospice patient Ruth Barnett.

Three years in the making, the four tiffany-style glass panels which make up the window in the hospice reception area, are the culmination of many hours of planning, design, hard work and collaboration. Artist Karen Jones from Tiddington, who is project manager for a community arts charity, has been working voluntarily at the hospice in Church Lane, Shottery for the last three years. She said: “The window is made from many many individual pieces of glass that have been cut, copper foiled and soldered. Lots of patients have been involved in the design and making of the window and some have sadly now passed away. The work was undertaken by patients under the direction of Chris Corner, our Diversional Therapist who has been brilliant.”

Ruth Barnett, from Alcester, has been attending the Hospice as a patient for seven years. She was one of the instigators of the project with Karen. She told the Hospice fete visitors: “It took me two years to go up to the Diversional Therapy table at the Hospice because I always thought I couldn’t do art. But now I’m there every week, taking part in water colour painting, silk painting, mosaic work and many other crafts.” Karen said: “To me the beauty of it is not just the picture itself but the many stories behind individual pieces of the design and the people who have inspired them. For me it’s been a humbling experience and I have made some wonderful friends through it.”

Diversional Therapy is just one of the complementary therapies offered by the Shakespeare Hospice at their Day Hospice in Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon. Available to both patients and carers, Diversional Therapy helps people to lose themselves in creative projects which not only help them relax and forget about their illness or caring responsibilities, but also provide a focus and something to look forward to. What’s more, while The Shakespeare Hospice has a dedicated and specialist counselling team, the Diversional Therapy creates a great environment for informal counselling and peer support and many long-term friendships are made through this service.

As Chris Corner states, “A large number of patients and carers find Diversional Therapy of enormous benefit. It can give hope, a sense of purpose and builds self esteem by unleashing a talent which may have otherwise remained hidden away. A wide range of creative activities are on offer, all tailored to the individual’s needs and interests. From the gentleman who is building a model railway to the young mother producing beautiful cards and gifts for her family and friends, lasting memories can be created here. Diversional Therapy can help people on all sorts of levels and we always endeavour to find projects that our patients and carers will find stimulating and enjoyable”.