This January, we have asked residents what they would like to do in 2026, and the reply has been a resounding “More of the same please!”
We kicked off the year with the wonderful Alex Southgate visit us for a singing session. We even had a few backing singers and everyone played instruments. So uplifting.
We are welcoming back the children of Langenhoe school for crafting and bingo in their Spring term. Lots of messy fun with finger painting reconnecting with that playful side we often lose as we get older. It stimulates cognitive function and promotes fine motor skills, while providing a creative outlet. The children were back the following week for bingo fun. And, for their next visit, we are cupcake decorating.
We have been getting crafty with Ruth. Armed with Playdough and some ingenious tools, our residents made some fantastic creations. And that Playdough smell - it's so evocative - brought smiles to everyone's faces.
The Abberton Arms opened and we had that Friday feeling; beer, wine, whiskey and On The Buses !! What more can you ask for on a Friday afternoon!
We rounded off January with a big Burns Night celebration. We had Haggis, Neeps and Tatties on the menu and dressed the dining tables with a touch of tartan. One of our wonderful residents Julian read the traditional poem to "Address the Haggis" and our visiting bagpiper Paul went round the Manor and played to our residents. A fabulous celebration.
There have been birthday celebrations, Gunni has been back keeping us fit and we tried something new, with an afternoon of Scent Guessing, to stir memories and stimulate conversation. Familiar scents, whether floral or spiced, or from cooking and essential oils are used in Reminiscence Therapy to help people with dementia. This has been found to not only trigger memories, but reduce agitation, improve mood and enhance sleep.
Coming up this Spring
We are welcoming Liana Bridges for Art Therapy making Vintage Scrapbooks.
In February, we have Chinese New Year and Valentines Day celebrations. We also have a cheese and wine afternoon planned, movie afternoons, Alex Southgate back by popular demand and The Abberton Arms will be open.
In March, we have Smile for the Camera - a professional photographer is coming in for a photoshoot with residents and their families, The Langenhoe children are back for more fun as we approach Easter. Esme the Cellist is visiting. We have a Mothering Sunday Afternoon tea planned and an Easter Service with Rev Terry.
Hopefully, we will be able to get out into the garden a bit more. We are currently shopping for a pergola and hope to make a start with our garden project.