We have enjoyed an action packed diary of Summertime events. Thankfully the weather has been kind for those we hosted outside. We have rounded the summer off with our beach day, perfect for this Indian summer we are now experiencing. Complete with paddling pool, sensory sand and shells and some windmill making craft. Check out our video here. https://www.facebook.com/100057054866714/videos/787524969727353
Our diary of Summertime events
The Newstead Arms
The Newstead Arms opened its doors for our monthly pub afternoons. This is definitely a firm favourite for our residents. No idea why! It is so lovely to have everyone together and relatives often come along. Sometimes this coincides with our monthly skittles tournament. Peter is still our champ! Who can knock him off the top spot?
Animal antics
We were thrilled to have Luke from Wye Valley Falconry return for another visit. We saw some incredible owls and birds of prey. Denzil the wild peregrine falcon was beautiful and we watched him soar above our heads. An incredible experience. https://www.facebook.com/100057054866714/videos/630803195664865
We also had a visit from Herefordshire Horsemanship with two of their gorgeous ponies. Thank you to Debs for bringing Percy and Teddy and also her lovely dogs, as pals for our Molly! Debs focuses on the therapeutic benefits of animals and her ponies are also ridden by disabled children. We enjoyed feeding them some treats and watching them roam our garden. They were so gentle and our residents loved this experience. https://www.facebook.com/100057054866714/videos/1006236330566681
Musical entertainment
We welcomed Simon Addison, The Herefordshire Piper to Newstead. He played a range of Scottish and Welsh music. A Hereford born and bred man, he told us all about the bagpipes and lots of stories about where he had played.
We have also had performances from Huw Knight and Ray Mytton. Singing along to the hits and the old classics, toe tapping and a bit of a dance. So uplifting.
Retail therapy
Our ladies especially loved a visit from Kath’s Pop Up Shop. Lots of beautiful clothes, pyjamas, shoes and slippers on offer to everyone. We were certainly spoilt for choice! Being able to go shopping and choose clothes for yourself is something that a lot of our residents haven’t been able to do in such a long time, so this was extra special.
Time in the garden
Summer always brings the brightest colours to our garden. Our residents planted most of our flowers and we love seeing them bloom. We also have to give a massive thanks to our wonderful Zoli, as he keep our garden looking beautiful throughout the seasons.
Herefordshire Growing Point have been helping us bring on the sunflowers and plants that we have grown from seed. Transferring into bigger pots and getting them ready for a wonderful bloom.
Special celebrations
We celebrated a very special 50th Wedding Anniversary for Di and Alan. We set up a romantic table for their lunch with champagne, flowers and chocolates.
Linda’s 70th Birthday was also a time for a party! We hosted an afternoon tea for her. She is one of our team leaders and has worked at Newstead for over 24 years.
Putting the fun into Fundraising
Our residents designed and filled potpourri bags that we sold, with all of the proceeds going to the Ukraine Appeal. We are very proud to say we raised £40 that has been sent through the British Red Cross to the people in Ukraine who need it most.
We dropped off our blankets and card made by our residents for Cats Protection Hereford Adoption Centre We love helping our community, and this knitting project was a lot of fun. Every cat or kitten is given a blanket and it goes to their forever home with them.
