We had a wonderful time celebrating and commemorating the 80thanniversary of VE Day. Our home was decked out with bunting and balloons, we wore our red, white and blue and had a fabulous 1940’s afternoon tea, with all our vintage china, sandwiches, scones and Victoria sponge cake.
This has also been a lovely time for our new Lifestyle and Wellbeing lead Denise to get to know residents. She put posters in residents’ rooms and there was crafting and a focus on wartime songs, all of which evoked lots of wartime memories. Some of our residents were children through the war. One lady remembers the bombings near her home in Enfield as the German planes were targeting a nearby rifle making factory. She recalled her mother being told off by the black-out warden for having a light showing through the curtains. Later, she was evacuated with her brother to Newcastle. She chatted about how her father loved growing roses, but grew vegetables during the war to supplement their rations. She has a love of roses to this day.
All of our Heritage Manor homes took part in the national commemoration of VE Day, so it has also been a great time for Denise to get to know the wider Heritage Lifestyle and Wellbeing team and share ideas. She has lots of ideas for summer plans and activities. Watch this space!
We have welcomed back a new cohort of Langenhoe School Primary children for their Summer term and they are helping us with our Gardening Club. We have already planted runner beans, sunflowers and carrots.
We are encouraging residents into the garden at every opportunity now the weather is fairer. Whether that is for a stroll in our walled garden, to enjoy a cuppa and a natter in a sunny spot, for games, gardening or even some chores, like watering plants and cleaning our gnomes! Whatever makes residents feel happy or gives a sense of contentment, soaking up some vitamin D is just the tonic.
The FaNs Grand Friends are now fortnightly visitors. Last week we had a 100 year age difference when a 2 year old grand friend met a 102 year old resident. We have regular Musical Movements and fitness sessions with KiddleyDivey. Also, entertainers visiting, with Marianne bringing her accordion at the end of May.
Since our last article, we have had an Essex County Council inspection, to ascertain the quality of care being provided. Their stringent assessment criteria ensure care homes aremeeting Essex County Council contract requirements. We are delighted to say that Abberton Manor passed the assessment with flying colours.