How a simple cup of tea is bringing Rosehaven Retirement Village residents closer together
Homemade baking, birdsong, and meaningful conversations are turning chilly winter mornings into treasured memories for Rosehaven Retirement Village residents.
The sound of laughter echoed through the gardens of Rosehaven Retirement Village on the chilly morning of July 11, as residents wrapped their hands around warm cups of tea, while enjoying homemade treats.
Held twice a month during the colder season, residents gather under the winter sun for garden tea parties that have become one of Rosehaven’s most treasured traditions. The initiative was started three years ago by residents Val Archer and Heidi Tietjens, who said they wanted to create an opportunity for people to reconnect with one another, instead of spending the colder months alone in their cottages. “We just feel, during winter, everybody is cold and inclined to stick around in their cottages. We thought it would be nice to have a tea garden party, so that people could come out, sit in the sunshine, and enjoy each other’s company.”
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Rather than hosting one large event, Archer said they keep the gatherings small, inviting a maximum of 16 residents at a time to allow them to personally organise each event while ensuring every resident receives an invitation during the winter months. “People contribute towards the eats. I bake and Heidi organises the tables and chairs.
“A lot of people never come into the garden. They’re always amazed by how big it is and how beautiful. They sit and listen to all the birds.”
Tietjens said such gatherings also provide a break from technology, especially to those who stay alone and are always glued to their cellphones. “Most of us live alone in our cottages.
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Some have still got partners, but most of us are alone. What do we do? We sit and we scroll through the WhatsApps,” Tietjens said. “By coming to the garden, we have to stop for a while and enjoy company, not just the phone. We listen to each other’s stories, and being old often you forget about them, so they are totally new to you again. It’s fun, so nice to share.”
The tea parties form part of a busy social calendar organised by Archer and Tietjens. Throughout the year they also arrange picnic suppers, Valentine’s teas, Easter celebrations, and seasonal gatherings, with Rosehaven assisting with catering for larger events.
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Tea, homemade treats, and heartfelt conversations bring warmth to Rosehaven Retirement Village this winter. Twice a month, residents gather in Rosehaven’s garden to enjoy the sunshine, reconnect with neighbours, and create lasting memories through a tradition started by residents Val Archer and Heidi Tietjens. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Sandton #Rosehavenretirementvillage #winter #elderlycare ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
Resident Bev Lawrence said the effort invested by Archer and Tietjens has helped create an exceptional sense of belonging within the home. “We are lucky to have two ladies, Heidi and Val, who like the social committee for organising get-togethers.
“I love the whole vibe at Rosehaven. There’s a lot of friendship, companionship, being together, and knowing everybody. At the other retirement villages that we go to, people walk past each other without greeting. They don’t know each other. Here we all know everyone by name and we enjoy getting together. It’s such a supportive, terrific atmosphere and vibe. We love it and we’re so happy here.”
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