WALES’ first care home artist-in-residence said the “huge honour” of attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace was the perfect way to celebrate 30 years in the role.
Talented Sarah Edwards, who is a consultant for the Pendine Park care organisation which has nine homes in Wrexham and Caernarfon, said the extraordinary people she works with never left her thoughts.
She went to the party hosted by King Charles with her partner, Jason Bennion, an acclaimed artist and illustrator, who also works as an art tutor at Pendine which is also celebrating big birthday this year – its 40th anniversary.
Sarah said: “It was a lovely day and as we walked around I could not help but think about the many Pendine Park residents who have made such a huge difference to my life over the last three decades.
“Their faces never left my mind and I felt I was representing them as I joined the other guests warmly welcomed by King Charles.”
“If someone had told me when I first joined Pendine Park that it would eventually lead me to attending a Royal Garden Party I wouldn’t have believed them.
“To think I was standing just a few feet away from King Charles when he chatted to some of his guests was amazing.
“I will always be immensely grateful to the Pendine Park owners Gill and Mario Kreft for taking a chance on me as a young graduate 30 years ago.
“They took me on as an artist in residence and put their faith in me to help further their vision of providing an activities programme which would engage with and enrich the lives of care home residents.”
Sarah’s role been pivotal in developing Pendine’s award-winning enrichment programmes and their interior design.
This year her creativity has been at the heart of organising a 12 month-long programme of special activities to celebrate Pendine’s 40th anniversary.
Her unique skills have also been fundamental in helping the organisation win numerous arts-related accolades, including the 2015 Business of the Year at the Arts and Business Cymru Awards.
She has played a key role in establishing strong relationships between Pendine Park and leading arts and musical organisations including Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Welsh National Opera, and Manchester’s world-renowned Hallé orchestra.
Wearing smart new outfits bought especially for the event, Sarah and Jason took the train to London and were delighted that the sun came out as they enjoyed two unforgettable days in the capital.
Sarah said: “We stayed at a hotel in Mayfair and so we were able to walk the short distance to the Palace.”
Joining other garden party guests invited through the Palace gates on the dot of 3pm, Sarah was immediately impressed by how spacious and tranquil the Royal gardens were.
She said: “They are so beautiful, such a quiet haven, you would never think the gardens were right in the heart of London.
“We got to explore the different garden areas, with all the spring flowers in bloom. I think the rose garden was my favourite.
“Then we were served a delicious afternoon tea. King Charles gave a short speech welcoming us all and then mingled with the crowds chatting happily with some of the guests.”
At one point Sarah and Jason were just a few feet away from King Charles and have some lovely memories of the day, plus lots of photographs to share with Pendine residents and staff.
Ms Edwards said: “After the party we decided to go all out and treated ourselves to cocktails at the world famous Ritz Hotel.
“I came away with plenty of inspiration for Ritz-themed arts sessions to enjoy with residents back at Pendine.”
Sarah was nominated for the honour by Pendine owners Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill.
Mario said: “This is a much-deserved honour for Sarah who has been advising the Pendine Park team for the last 30 years.
“Her indomitable spirit and her pioneering work in the field of arts in health is commendable and as we go forward it remains central to our vision for promoting person-centred care right across our organisation.
“We are so pleased that she was able to attend this prestigious event and look forward to hearing all about her time at the Palace upon her return home.”
