We had a wonderful time celebrating and commemorating the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. Our home was decked out with bunting, residents wore red ribbons and waved flags, whilst singing along to the super talented Megan. She sung all the wartime classics, which brought back lots of memories. We had a fabulous afternoon tea, with all our vintage china, scones and miniature Battenburg cakes and a huge Victoria sponge cake, with Union Jack inspired summer fruit decoration.
This has been a lovely time for our new Lifestyle and Wellbeing lead Katie to get to know residents. In Katie’s words “I am really looking forward to supporting the residents at Astley Hall to live their best lives, getting to know them all and working with them to plan lots of exciting activities they will enjoy. I’m also hoping we can build on our relationship with the outside community, so we can form good friendships and be able to join in with local things happening in and around Astley. I look forward to getting to know everyone and hope we can all have a fun, happy time.”
All of our Heritage Manor homes took part in the national commemoration of VE Day, so Katie has also got to know the wider Heritage Lifestyle and Wellbeing team and shared ideas for summer plans –starting with our first BBQ of the summer for residents, friends and families on 23rd May.
We marked World Cocktail Day by creating our own Shirley Temples and other mocktails, all finished off with maraschino cherries, fancy stirrers and umbrellas.
Residents have been making the most of the glorious weather, getting outside to enjoy our garden. Our gardening club ladies worked hard planting some lovely flowers in hanging baskets to go on display outside our home. We have also spring cleaned our summer house, so it can be used and enjoyed. All in time for our first BBQ of the year, rather aptly in National BBQ week.
The Debutots visited and introduced residents to the joy of Julia Donaldson books. They are visiting through the summer term, bringing smiles and happiness.
A few of our residents have said they enjoy knitting, so we have started a fortnightly Knit and Natter Group. We are knitting squares to make blankets to donate to our local maternity ward. A big thank you to Crafting For Communities for donating lots a lovely sensory items and blankets and shawls for everyone at Astley Hall to enjoy.
We had lots of Eurovision themed activities the week of 13th to 17th May, with a Eurovision singalong, quiz and a sweepstake for the grand final.
June kicks off with National Cheese Day, so we are planning a cheese and wine afternoon for residents and their families. There is also Father’s Day in June and we are celebrating with a ploughmans lunch and games afternoon on Sunday 15th.