A song and dance of a summer
We have just completed our 14 week summer programme of exercises with Di Ricci from the WEA Organisation. She brought fun gentle chair based exercise routines to our residents each week, with a group session in the lounge and then individual exercise for residents in their rooms.
We would like to say a HUGE thank you to Di. Her exuberance was infectious and we have all had so much fun. Our residents have built lovely friendships with Di and she has a special place in our hearts at Summerdyne. It is not a goodbye as we very much hope to see her again soon – so watch this space!
In the meantime, we wanted to share some of the antics and photos of the past 14 weeks, which Di often themed to link with our other summer activities.
Bird Week
To mark International Dawn Chorus Day on 1 May, we were loaned a budgie for the day called Mr Blue Sky. He was such a hit with everyone that we have bought our own budgie as a pet for Summerdyne. Our residents have named him Elvis – so now Elvis is in the building! He is the source of much amusement and conversation and can even whistle the theme tune to The Simpsons.
Di visited on 1 May and incorporated lots of arm waving to replicate flapping wings and we used the parachute in the lounge as part of our exercise routine.
Mr Blue Sky
Elvis
Strictly Week
To mark the 14th anniversary of Strictly Come Dancing Di hosted a Strictly Week. We even had a judging panel and there was most definitely a 10 from Len!
The Strictly Judges
Spirit of Spain Week
Di brought in the music of the Gypsy Kings for this flamenco inspired fitness session. There was lots of twirling of fringed scarves and fluttering of fans.
O-la!
1920’s Week
We had arm stretches and leg movement to The Charleston and music from Anything Goes. We looked at photos and tried on hats, gloves and jewellery of that era. Fabulous dressing up outfits!
Our flappers!
Reminiscing about the 20’s
A lovely moment captured on camera
Sports Week
To kick off the World Cup. Lots of ball skills and a very competitive game of quoits!
Basketball…
…or netball
Quoits
Line Dancing Week
Spin your partner round and round! Lots of toe tapping, clapping and a fun game of catch the ball in the cowboy hat. All with the hits from Dolly Parton!
Joining in the hoe-down!
Royal Ascot Week
We had a wonderful Ladies Day at Summerdyne. The hairdresser came in and we all wore fascinators and got dressed up for the Gold Cup. We studied the line up and everyone chose a horse to back. We enjoyed a little tipple watching the races.
Ladies Day
A flutter and a tipple!
Anyone for bucks fizz?
Enjoying the day
Di hosted a brilliant Ascot themed chair exercise session for Ascot week with lots of trotting!
Stretching
and more stretching!
1950’s Rock and Roll Week
Lots of rocking and rocking to the crooning of Elvis (the singer, not our budgie!!)
Rock and roll
Tennis Week
To coincide with Wimbledon, Di actually got everyone playing tennis (of sorts!). We improvised with yellow balloons and fly swots for rackets. It was hilarious! That really got us in the mood, especially for the strawberries and Pimms.
Anyone for tennis!
Chair based exercise – tennis themed!
1940’s Week
As our summer fete was a 1940’s theme, Di linked in her exercise routine and we pretended to dig like Land Girls.
Our land girls
The fete was on Saturday 14th July and was a huge collaborative effort as always between the residents and staff. We are delighted to have raised £555.28 and can put this towards the finishing touches of the sensory garden. Well done to Sarah, our fabulous activities coordinator for orchestrating the whole event.
1940’s fete
vintage tea
The stalls
1960’s Hippy Week
Lots of peace and love. This was our last session and Di brought each of our residents a Certificate of Gentle Exercise for Beginners, which was very touching and lovely for everyone to receive.
Certificate presentation
Peace!
Thank you Di, with love from all your friends at Summerdyne.