Residents are loving their regular visits from the children of Langenhoe Primary School. At one visit we played bingo. Our lovely resident Bill was the bingo caller. There was immense concentration all round and great joy at the call of Bingo! The children were back for Easter crafting, with lots of eggs and bunnies. There was also crafting for our St Patrick’s Day celebrations and art therapist Lianne Bridges came in again, helping residents make secret memory boxes, using art to stimulate memories. Lots of memories were recalled and secrets never told before. There were some giggles at the memories, which were locked away in the boxes for everyone to keep.
We enjoyed a fabulous Chinese banquet, thanks to our chef Paul, to mark the Chinese New Year. Our team decorated the home beautifully and each resident received a personalised birth year certificates. The Abberton Arms has also been open for favourite tipples and bar games. Some would say there’s no better way to while away an afternoon than with a pint of beer, a few bar snacks and a game of dominoes!
A huge thank you to Molly, who is graduating this year to become a professional photographer. She spent the day at Abberton capturing everyone's smiles. The photos have been edited and printed, so everyone now has a framed photo in their room.
For musical entertainment in March, Esme the cellist visited for the first time. She was wonderful and residents were mesmerized by the beautiful tones. Often described as close to the human voice, the cello has a deep, resonant, and mellow timbre and its sound can convey warmth, melancholy, or intensity. We had smiles and emotional tears. It was a wonderful experience.
Our favourite regular singer Alex Southgate was back. He always brings the fun and laughter, toe tapping and dancing. We also had the wonderful U3A Tiptree Choir visit us, and what an amazing time we all had. They wore Easter bonnets and sang to us many different songs, encouraging everyone to sing along. Afterwards everyone chatted to each other and had a cup of tea. We cant wait to welcome them back again.
It does now finally feel like Spring has sprung. With more blue-sky days, residents can’t get outside quick enough! Wrapped up and enjoying a cuppa and a natter, it is wonderful to feel the warmth of the sun on our faces. Just 10-30 minutes of sun exposure stimulates skin to produce Vitamin D, which regulates mood and supports brain health. Charlie from Thrive Gardening has been in to help residents with potting up seedlings and their gardening projects. Thank you to our volunteers helping in the garden to spruce up our Memorial Garden and Secret Garden. They are getting it looking ship-shape in time for our summer fete.
We had a fabulous afternoon tea for Mother’s Day with gifts and flowers for our lovely ladies. And some special residents of the day moments, with Alex enjoying a pub lunch with a surprise visit from the lovely Sarah, and then then next day enjoying a special delivery of dressed crab in the garden.
There has been lots of Easter craft, making paper flowers and beautiful decorations for our Easter tree. We also made Easter cards to send to loved ones. Rev Terry came in for an Easter Service. We also had an Easter Egg Hunt; our staff went to find the clues and residents read them out and guessed where the next clue was. Great team work! Chocolate treats at the end, of course! Then an Easter Quiz and the Abberton Arms open for a bank holiday tipple. Thank you to one of our lovely residents family members, who brought in a yummy cake and some sweets for everyone.
Gunni from Kiddleydivey and Louie from Longevity have kept us fit with their fun music and movement sessions. After which, we rewarded ourselves with some hot crossed buns and chocolate eggs! Plus, Oscar visited with his cheeky movement and music class.
Coming up......
In April, we have music from pianist Austin Wainford and a singalong with our lifestyle and wellbeing lead Tracey, who is also a professional singer. We will be having the Abberton Grand National Race outside, and the Grand National will be shown on the day for everyone to place their bets.
Langenhoe Primary School children will be visiting again. We have DJL Exotics visiting with some 6 different reptiles and 2 invertebrates.
Charlie will be coming to see us to do some Therapeutic Thrive Gardening.
Lianna will be visiting with Art Therapy and we have lots more crafts at the ready and Gunni will be joining us again for some music fun and laughter.
So far for May, we have the Langenhoe children coming, our crafts sessions, Oscars Music and Movement, Alex Southgate, The Black Cactus Choir, Movie Afternoons, an afternoon picnic (sure to be the first of many!) and The Abberton Arms.
We also have chicks being delivered to hatch in June! So exciting!
And lots more being planned, so watch this space .....