Appeals: Nightingale House

Nightingale House, the largest residential home for elderly Jewish people in Britain, is holding an art and crafts exhibition at the Western Marble Arch Synagogue, in London. Everything on display - paintings, sculpture, woven rugs, pottery, embroidery, knitwear, clothes and basketry - has been created by some of the 400 residents at Nightingale House, many of whom are in their late eighties and nineties. The average age at the home is 88. Many of those whose work, which is for sale, is on display (and for sale) have come to arts and crafts late in life, often having never painted or sewn since childhood. Nightingale House's philosophy is to provide a home in which growing old is not to be feared and which allows its occupants maximum independence. Most people have their own room with a bathroom, but the house has a long-term plan to convert the last three dormitories into rooms. The exhibition ends on 30 May. On Sunday 13 June, at 2pm, Nightingale House holds its annual garden fete.

Nightingale House, 105 Nightingale Lane, London SW12 8NB, telephone 081-673 3495.