We kicked off Christmas at the end of November with a huge baking session. Residents made the Christmas cakes together, plus two extra ones for donating to Lees Place, for The Salvation Army. They have also baked many a batch of mince pies.
Thanks to Dial a Ride, JayJay, Emily and Liz for arranging a trip into town for residents. They popped in to see Kerry at Lees Place, Christmas shopped and saw the lights.
There was also a trip to the Radway Garden Centre, checking out the Christmas aisles and stopping at the café for coffee and cake.
Residents truly cherish these moments out and about and without our volunteers they would not be possible - so a huge thank you.
Residents got into the festive spirit decorating our home with a singalong and lots of dancing to festive tunes.
We had a visit early December and then again for our Christmas Party, from the Gadzukes Ukulele Band.
Also, a lovely visit from harpist Diana. Everyone was mesmerised by her playing of the harp and found the music incredibly soothing. Residents were able to test out their musical talents too.
Visits from children
Residents invited staff and their children to join them for a special children's Christmas Party. We had a good old fashion game of pass the parcel, which took the residents more time to wrap, than the children unwrapping! Also a game of balloons and musical statues.
The children from St Francis Xavier Primary School also visited to sing carols. A big thank you to all the children. You put smiles on our face's and made it feel like Christmas.
A Celebration of Life
We took part in a Celebration of Life in memory of Sheila. We all lifted a glass in her memory. We had some fabulous music and Sheila's daughter, grandchildren and close friends danced in her honour. A beautiful afternoon to remember a very special lady.
Every year we commemorate and honour the family we have lost at Newstead. This year we decided to use robins to symbolise the residents we have sadly lost. Demi, with her youngest daughter Florrie, lovingly placed each robin on our memory tree. Remembering them, honouring their stories, cherishing their memories and carrying their spirt forward.
It's Panto time - Oh yes it is!
Residents were extremely busy writing Newstead House's Pantomime called The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Then there was the casting of residents and staff in each role. They brought in costumes, made props and everyone got themselves into character!
The show was a huge success. We also had a brilliant audience who "Boo'ed" in all the right places!
Congratulations to our amazing residents, who had so much fun writing, singing and acting it out. Thank you to JayJay, for all the rehearsal time you gave. To all the staff that went that extra mile and joined in the fun, Louisa, Louise, Sophie, Sarah, Ali and Gail. You all made Newstead House's first Panto possible.
Click this link for a parody of "We wish you a Merry Christmas", written by the Residents, Gail and with a little help from Ali. It is the last song from the Pantomime. Residents wanted to share it with you all!
More partying and the BIG day
We had our lovely friends the Gadzukes to join us for our Christmas Party. We danced, laughed, sang and had great fun. Our cook, Sarah, made some amazing cakes, mince pies, mulled wine and hot chocolates! Thank you to all the team who have gone the extra mile this Christmas and a special thanks to our cook and housekeeping team too, who are kept extra busy this time of year!
Christmas Day was super special, with a huge Christmas lunch and a visit from Father Christmas. A massive thanks to Jess and Rebecca from Dunelm Delivering Joy for all the gifts. Thank you, to all those who took their time and donated gifts to make a magical Christmas happen. You are stars!
