As I pen this update, we are contemplating taking down the Christmas decorations. A few more days till twelfth night, so a few more days to enjoy them. Abberton really does lend itself so beautifully to being decorated and residents love to get involved. And even taking the decorations down is a lovely time to reflect on the celebrations we have had and to plan some events for the New Year.
Looking back on 2020’s decorations and celebrations
Halloween was spook-tactular; lots of fancy dress, pumpkin carving, games and a sing along at our Monster Mash Halloween Bash!
We then celebrated Bonfire Night with a light show, sparklers and mini fireworks, along with hot dogs and burgers. Who remembers Penny for the Guy? Lots of fun and memories shared.
With I’m a Celebrity….Get Me Out Of Here! back on our screens, we were inspired to have a guessing game of What’s in the Box? Our intrepid residents had to put their hand in a box and guess the contents. Luckily no creepy crawlies, but some intriguing items to identify by touch alone! Rest assured, we did not have any bush tucker trials. Just lovely, wholesome, heart-warming food on our menus.
Christmas time
This Christmas we missed the excitement and laughter of visiting children, but were thankful for happy memories from the start of the year. Particularly seeing the children from Langenhoe Primary for our Sounds of the 60’s Cabaret. Our residents so enjoyed their impromptu lesson on how to floss! And sharing stories, biscuits and playtime with the tots from Muddy Boots. We very much hope to welcome children back to our home in 2021.
We joined forces with our sister Heritage Manor homes this Christmas for our “We All Sing Together” project. Lots of families, friends and community groups submitted their contributions to our carolling video. It was wonderful for our residents to see and hear children singing and families and staffing teams across our care home group. There was even an adaptation of Jingle Bells from the head office team. As a company Heritage Manor does feel like a big family, with everyone at all levels supporting each other. We have been so incredibly thankful for this throughout last year.
Lord Albert tinkering with the decorations
Each morning through December our residents have a giggle at the antics of Lord Albert. No-one knows how he got his name, but he is our resident Elf on the Shelf. From terrorising the Christmas fairy and putting her in the washing machine, to swinging from the chandeliers, to squirting toothpaste smiles into the sinks! He has made our residents smile – well done to his team of helpers too, always bringing the fun to our residents lives!
The Abberton team have really worked their socks off to make this most unusual of Christmases special for residents. Lots of decorations and celebrations: Festive crafting, baking and homespun gifting. Some wonderful staff and residents parties and online entertainment from Jukes Entertainment and other Christmas concerts. And let’s not forget the enormous Christmas turkey lunch with all the trimmings.
Looking forward to celebrations
It is fantastic to start the New Year with positive news of vaccines, which gives hope for the end of this pandemic in 2021. We are looking forward to the vaccine rollout for our staff and residents. We are hopeful that we can welcome family members back to our home soon, under the Government guidance.