After all the cold spring weather it has been wonderful to have this Mediterranean summer. We have been thoroughly enjoying ourselves at Astley Hall, making the most of our country gardens. Here are a few of the things we have been up to.
Dining Al Fresco
We have a huge level lawn at Astley, currently dotted with tables, chairs and parasols. We have a gazebo too, so residents can keep cool. There is nothing better than dining outside, with the sun fading over the hills and fish and chips out of the paper from our local chip shop. Followed up with strawberries and cream – you don’t get more British than that!
We also have a fabulous chef and a huge BBQ, which is getting a lot of use this summer.
Enjoying our gardens
There have been lots of garden games, skittles, puzzles, bubbles and music.
Dave has been tending the flowers. Many of our residents helped chose the bedding plants on a trip to Cooks Garden Centre. Can you believe we have 13 hanging baskets – Stunning! Our gardens are much admired. Dave has also planted potatoes, red currants, gooseberries, blackberries and raspberries. We can’t wait to eat them!
It was lovely for some of our residents to worship in the garden with Nick, Pam and Ann from Astley Church. They gave the holy sacrament to those who wished to take it.
A visit from Mr Whippy
The delight of our residents when they heard the familiar musical chimes of the ice cream van – 99’s all round! Everyone loved choosing their ice creams and toppings.
Sally brought in her revamped VW camper van and everyone wanted a look. There was lots of nostalgia with hippy stories from the swinging 60’s!
Visiting The Dementia Cafe
The dementia cafe is part of St Michaels Church and is a lovely place to meet with residents and staff from our sister home Summerdyne. Our residents also often meet friends and family there. Everyone is so welcoming. On one visit we had a sing along and a dance with entertainment from JDR. On another visit, gentle chair exercises and games. There is always tea, cake and time for a chat.
Cupcake Day
We hosted friends and families for a Cupcake Day to show our support for Dementia UK, a cause so close to our hearts. The event was well supported and we raised a fantastic £46.00 for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Shopping in Kidderminster
Some of our residents enjoyed a day trip out to Kidderminster. A spot of shopping followed by tea next to the River Stour.
The Summer fete
What a stunning place to be on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. A huge thank you to staff residents and visitors who helped make this yet another successful summer fete. We raised a grand total of £523.25 for our Residents’ Fund.
There was live entertainment, a bar, tombola, dog show, raffle, cream teas and much more.