Our Valentine’s Week diary at The Old Rectory

“One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life. That word is love.”       Sophocles

Love, as they say, is a many-splendored thing, it’s in the air and it makes the world go around – or so the songs tell us. Yet romance isn’t its sole dominion. Love can be found in a lasting friendship, in familial affection, or in a compassionate act. And it is in these everyday interactions – including the romantic – that we find love’s positive influence playing out in our lives.

But when we talk of love, whose name is first to our lips? Saint Valentine, of course. Venerated on his feast day of February 14, the third century Roman is celebrated as patron not only of lovers, but also of beekeepers.

Imprisoned for his ‘crime’ of encouraging people to marry  ̶  against the wishes of Emperor Claudius  ̶  Valentine is said to have restored sight to the blind daughter of one of his jailers during communal prayer. His last words were contained in a missive to her that he signed: ‘From your Valentine’.

It’s possible that in this act of purity and devotional love, the prototype of the Valentine card may have made its first appearance. Speculation perhaps, but in modern times lovers have traditionally invoked the saint’s name when declaring their unbridled affections

At The Old Rectory, we have always honoured the true meaning of love; that which is found in companionship, cherished memories and the shared acts of kindness that govern our day-to-day lives – and never more so than in Valentine’s Week. This year’s celebrations included a packed programme of events and activities that allowed residents to create, reflect, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good company.

‘Love conquers all things; let us too surrender to love’…

And so said the poet Virgil, but it was to our gardener Paul that we turned on February 11 to begin the week by leading a Valentine-themed poetry and prose session in the relaxed environment of the lounge. Residents shared sonnets and short stories alongside favourite quotes and their own thoughts in an atmosphere of quiet contemplation.

February 12: Following the previous day’s gentle introduction, our thoughts turned to the practical as we embarked upon a hands-on dose of creativity by way of a crafting session. With plenty of refreshments at the ready and gentle music for inspiration, we found time to socialise while venting our collective artistic talents on lace, ribbons, floral tributes and handwritten notes  ̶  an echo back to the age of gentility. So, if music be the food of love…play on!

February 14: As our festivities culminated on the saint’s feast day, we sat down to a hearty lunch in a dining room adorned with delicate reds and pinks – a silent salute to Valentine himself. As it was Friday, a traditional favourite of fish and chips was served to be followed by the ‘star of the show’: a delightful Strawberry Heart Pavlova. As always, the catering team provided a memorable meal, and as Cesar Chavez once famously said: ‘The people who give you their food, give you their heart’.

At the end of a wonderful week, we can look back and remember the stories, laughter, and the conversations in the knowledge that Valentine’s Day – indeed, any day we care to choose – is about more than simply observing a date on the calendar; it’s about shared experience and recognising that love can be found in a multitude of places. We just have to make sure to seek it out.