It’s really beginning to like autumn and, dare we say it, Christmas is fast approaching! It certainly feels that way with the launch of Strictly Come Dancing. A firm favourite with our residents.
Autumn news
But first we have been enjoying our visits from the staff and children from the Muddy Boots Forest School. It’s so lovely to have the kiddies bowling in for juice and biscuits, cheeks rosy from the fresh air, the odd stick in their hair and smelling of campfires! Their stories and antics bring back memories of childhood for our residents, who are always delighted to see them. A new favourite game to play together is balloon tennis. We might have a few trick or treat surprises in store for them around Halloween!
Thank you to our local community for supporting our Macmillan Coffee Morning. It was a tremendous success. Residents helped bake cakes and we received lots of donations. Raising money with every slice!
Thank you to Waitrose in Colchester for donating cut flowers for our floristry group. Residents made table centre arrangements in teacups for our dining room, which received lots of compliments, and have just made an autumn wreath for the front door. We are also awaiting delivery of our Queen Elizabeth rose, which residents selected to commemorate Her Majesty. It will be planted it in our garden in remembrance.
We had a wonderful afternoon of entertainment from Lilian Grace, singing some old time classics. Lots of singing, clapping and laughing – we are big on audience participation! Bring on the Christmas panto!
More plans
We are taking part in National Poetry Day. One of our residents is a wonderful poet and has an extensive collection of poems he has written and favourite ones he has collected. There is also the RSBP Feed the Birds Day in late October. A simple way to make feeders is thread Cheerios onto wire which can then be shaped. A great way of helping with dexterity.
And remember too our top tip for Bonfire Night safety with sparklers: if you stick the sprinkler in the end of a chunky carrot, the carrot becomes a sturdy handle, much easier to grip, and the sprinkler is a safer distance away from the body.
With the run up to Christmas, it is a wonderful time to volunteer. Whether you are looking for work experience, to make new friends, learn new skills, share your hobbies, or to have a ball with our residents and team, you would be very welcome.