What a scorcher of a summer! We have been making the most of the great outdoors. On National Camera Day we asked residents to take a photo of what makes them happy. Being outside and family were top of the list! Some great polaroid snaps as keepsakes.
We have been keeping cool in the heatwaves. A huge thanks to Thermaright Hire Solutions Ltd, who have been absolutely incredible this summer. They went above and beyond to ensure our home was supplied with air conditioning, helping to keep both our residents and staff comfortable and cool. Our air conditioned lounge has been the perfect spot to enjoy the amazing summer of sport. At the start of Wimbledon residents made scones to enjoy and for the finals, our ladies made some Pimms lollies. The World Cup was fabulous, plus Ascot, the Tour De France and the Commonwealth Games - spoilt for viewing for our sports loving residents.
We have been finding ingenious ways to beat the heat. Smoothies, slushies, lollies, fruit platters, slices of watermelon, our hydration station trolley. Here's a lovely summary Harriet created for our West Eaton Tick Tok page, which is worth following if you aren't already! https://www.facebook.com/reel/2269216703841483
We hosted a Picnic Day and were delighted that the kitchen team could use our residents' home grown salad and herbs from the garden, along with resident Bill's pickled onions and both our homemade chutney and elderflower cordial. It was a feast and tasted all the better as we had grown it!
Our residents have lived interesting lives and sometimes we hear about some of the amazing things their children have done. Thank you to Eric Froggatt (MRC) for coming in to talk to residents and show images of his sailing adventure. After 11 months away and 45,600 miles sailed, his team won the 23/24 Clipper Round the World Race! He bought the experience to life and residents were captivated.
We recently entered the Pimp my Zimmer! competition. This is organised by the West Midlands Care Association to encourange people to use their walking frames. This time we chose Brenda who loves gardening and weeding in particular and Pat who loves all things Christmas! Look at the results - amazing! Definitely winners in our eyes! https://www.facebook.com/reel/1056977586695604
And on a more serious note, our Heritage staff were able to encounter The Dementia Bus. It is an all senses experience that recreates some of the physical and mental challenges people with dementia are suffering with. We are always wanting to understand and help residents who live with dementia. An insight into dementia helps give a deeper understanding and empathy. Staff comments included "eye opening" and "informative". It "makes you more aware" and "makes you feel vulnerable". A "discombobulating" experience.
Our Summer Fun Day 2026
....was a triumph!
Huge thanks to all our residents and staffing team for all the baking, making, prep and organisation to help make the day such a success.
Thank you to everyone that visited - your support means so much to the team and the residents.
Special thanks to some great vendors and stallholders, including The Fantasy Chameleon, Smash Burgers and Waffles, Galloping Gourmet Catering, UK Nature Gifts, Penny's Farm Flowers and Leominster Antiques. Not forgetting too all those who made items for us to sell.
We had some amazing prizes kindly donated by friends and families as well as local businesses. A special mention to our lovely Harriet who collated a lot of the raffle gifts! We couldn't do it without local support and so from us all a HUGE THANK YOU! All proceeds will go towards our residents fund.
Coming up...
Corinne is coming in to play the cello with a bassist accompanying her. This will tie in nicely with the start of The Proms.
In August, we shall do some holiday related things, get the paddling pool out and go places using our Virtual reality goggles!
We shall also be making things for The Hereford Growing Point's Autumn Show.