Friday July 11th saw Cygnet Hospital Harrow's annual service users and staff 'Fun-Day'. This year saw Master of Ceremonies, Rod 'The Sherriff' Kowald introducing the cowboy themed event on a rare sunny July day. Service users and staff were happily rounded up in to three teams: Byron Ward, Springs Wing and Springs Unit. They were then all branded by coloured neck scarves in the traditional Wild West fashion.
Nearly all of the day's activities were facilitated by Cygnet Harrow's own personal fitness coach Brimah, starting with a rootin' tootin' shootout between the teams. Unfortunately, the popular request for the staff to use real guns on each other was overridden by Health and Safety. However, this didn't dampen the high spirits of all the contestants - the substitute water pistols did that.
Pass the ball (in an over and under fashion) got people to see another side of each other, as it were, and as usual ended up in much laughter and mayhem. Luckily this event was held well before anyone had tucked into the BBQ beans.
Next up was the much anticipated Iron Person Press Up Competition. The build up to this event amongst staff in the preceding weeks had been marked by boasts, bravado, bets and a general testosterone fest amongst the men and amusement amongst the women. The event was highly competitive, enjoyed by all and went off without a hitch, with the exception of a few bruised egos and pectoral muscles.
Time for lunch and the catering staff rustled up a fantastic BBQ. Fortified with burgers, chicken, sausages and all the classic BBQ foods (with the wise exception of BBQ beans) the teams were ready for the afternoon's activities. It kicked off with Tin Can Alley Shooting Range (overseen by Leena from Springs who also scored all day) followed by the timeless Wild West classic, an Egg & Spoon Relay. Football Slalom gave an opportunity to demonstrate to England players how it should be done, after which brought us to the Tug-of- War grand finale.
All that was left to do was for Hospital Manager Seamus Quigley to present the fun day cup to the winning team, which was the quietly triumphant Byron Ward.
This day is always a success in terms of bringing service users and staff together in an informal atmosphere and bringing a sense of joy and laughter to the lives of those we strive to help.
More information on Cygnet Hospital Harrow.
