This January we have enjoyed many food themed days including National Pie Day, National Hot Chocolate Day and Croissant Day. Our home manager Charmaine organised our own Bake Off! The standard set was very high, making it hard for our judges, who were resplendent in their Pru Leith and Paul Hollywood face masks! There were some real show stoppers! Our residents were delighted to win a prize for their shortbread biscuits and everyone loved sampling all the cakes!
We celebrated Burns Night, which is an annual favourite event at West Eaton. We had neaps and tatties, and two pipers, piper piping in the haggis. Plus, the fantastic Tenbury Scottish dancers. A truly special evening!
Some of us enjoyed an evening outing to experience the "Time" Luxmuralis installation at Hereford Cathedral. The residents loved being in the space and were mesmerised by the images and colours- they also slept very well afterwards! A big thank you to Tenbury Transport Trust plus our staff and family members who made it possible and the stewards at the event who made us feel so welcome.
It was The RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch at the end of the January, so we familiarised ourselves with the species we might see, ready for our own bird count. Carlie from Herefordshire Growing Point came in and helped residents make bird feeders out of oranges.
Thanks also to Liv from Creative Minds, Herefordshire, who got the residents creative juices flowing with a collaborative collage of a horse. This Chinese year is the horse which symbolises energy, freedom, strength and success.
We also celebrated 20 years of service for Ancy, who is our Clinical Lead at West Eaton. She smiles everyday and looks after us all, providing exemplary care for residents and she is a wonderful, friend, colleague and mentor to our staffing team.
Our home manager Charmiane said "Over the years, Ancy’s knowledge, kindness, and professionalism have touched the lives of countless residents, families, and colleagues. I can honestly say how much I enjoy working with Ancy. She is supportive, dependable, and a real pleasure to work alongside — someone who leads by example and brings calm, warmth, and positivity to every day."
Coming up
There is Yorkshire Pudding Day and Pizza Day.
We are having a Valentines weekend of crafting, decorating and enjoying musical entertainment.
Also Pancake Day, and as we then head towards Easter, more Easter themed activities.
After the success of last year we are planning another bingo night fundraiser, so watch this space!
We are drawing up plans and getting quotes at the moment for a new sensory patio area, which we hope to build this Spring.
We are hosting a Mother's Day lunch with residents and their families and Ewan will be playing the piano for us. We are also celebrating St Patricks Day and some other foodie days.