31st December
A trip to Flowerland garden centre, residents pondered around the Christmas decorations which brought laughter and happy faces. Apart from the weather being awful, they enjoyed their time looking at all the artifacts including a large Christmas rat. Its amazing what you find in a garden centre these days.
Thula our Pet Therapy dog has been busy visiting our residents. She likes to sit on some of their laps or sit by their feet and wait for treats. Everyone looks forward to seeing her each week. Thank you to Didi, who is Thula’s owner, for bringing her in each week we are so grateful.
Our activities team have been running some great craft afternoons. Making shuttlecock angels, shrink wrap decorations for the tree, snow globes and snowmen/ladies!
St Mary’s Girl School visited our residents and performed Christmas carols on our patio. I was contacted by one of the teachers at the school, she explained that the school were embarking upon a community project. Pupils decided to purchase Christmas gifts for residents, making the project very personal by enquiring about residents likes. Girls aged 8-9 years and older came to the home to deliver the gifts. Of course, this was all under tight restrictions, to keep everyone as safe as possible. The girls sang several Christmas songs to our residents on our patio whilst residents watched from indoors. This is the kind of interaction everyone misses dearly; it means so much to our residents and staff. Our residents will open their gifts and respond to each girl who kindly chose to purchase the personal gift. Such an amazing project and very much appreciated by all.
Suzanne, one of our care team, ran a Christmas Jumper Day to raise money for Children in Need. Staff wore some super jumpers, and our residents were seen with seasonal hats. Lots of smiley faces around the home. A total of £30.00 was raised for the charity.
Anne Park one of our former Trustees came in for an activity where she discussed traditions over the years. Lots of stories were told amongst residents and staff, an enjoyable afternoon for all. Kuli our Chef supplied a festive buffet for residents and staff which was lovely to see everyone together. This was followed by an afternoon of entertainment by Caron Pascoe.
Our residents enjoyed an afternoon Christmas carol service led by Daff, pastor of St James Church. This year Ann Marie and Jeannette put together another pantomime – Cinderella. Residents and staff watched the hilarious performance. Cast - Ann Marie and Max as ugly sisters, Jess as Cinderella, Suzanne as the Prince Charming, Olivia – Fairy Godmother/Buttons, Avril – Evil stepmother, Jeanette - Narrator and Valet. Super performance thank you once again for going that extra mile to put smiles on faces.
We also held a Christmas Eve carol service via zoom with residents and family members to complete the arrival of Christmas day.
We wish you all a Very Merry Christmas.
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