What a busy month December has been – singers, choirs, presents. Lots of time spent with families and enjoying parties.
We started off the month with a visit from Alison’s adorable pygmy goats.
Ana with the goat on her lap and Pam
Joan C and Joan K stroking one of the goats.
Peter with the goat on his lap and members of his family.
They even visited residents in their rooms.
On 6 December we had a lovely singer, Andy Martin, with his ukulele perform for us. He did some great George Formby and folk songs. It was a great opportunity for everyone to sing along.
Colin celebrated his birthday in December. He had some lovely presents and a birthday cake to share.
We all joined in to wish Colin a happy birthday! The cake was delicious.
A group of handbell ringers from More House School came and performed for us on 10 December. They certainly brought the sound of Christmas to our home and so the Christmas spirit was starting to build.
We still had our normal trips out to the local pub and enjoyed all of our regular quiz’s giant crossword, dominoes and our ladies were very busy flower arranging and making table decorations for Christmas.
Monica
Monica and Pippa
Pippa and Pam
Monica and Alison
One activity we hope will become a tradition was we helped Lorraine, our chef, make a lovely gingerbread village. Residents and families, all got involved. It was lovely to look at when done and was a favourite for all the children that visited.
Alison with her daughter Steph
Children admiring our handiwork!
Leah, one of our fantastic carers, brought her guitar into the home and sang with the residents.
The local Beaver Scouts visited us on the evening of 13 December to play games with our residents. It was very noisy but a great opportunity to watch and join in playing the games.
Irene playing Hungry Hippos
Tim and Josiane in the thick of it.
We joined residents from the other homes on a trip out to see the Christmas lights. Many houses were covered.
Our weekly trip to the Shepherd and Flock is always at the top of the list.
The choir from William Cobbett Junior School came and sung for us on 18 December. Lovely Christmas songs and some wonderful Christmas jumpers. It was very festive.
We also had a performance by Terry Owens on 19 December. The ladies especially loved that he handed out roses to them.
Bright Horizons Nursery School visited us several times in December. The children love doing craft and interacting with the residents.
Farnham Mill had our Christmas dinner on 22 December. Everyone wore Christmas clothes and we were lucky to have Father Christmas visit us to give presents to the residents.
Arthur getting in the spirit.
Leonore and Joan looking forward to the wonderful meal Lorraine has prepared.
John and Arthur
Joan having a cuddle with Father Christmas.
Everyone loved his visit!
Alison
Penny
Irene
Betty
Maurice
Bernard
Monica
Irene and Terry joined others for a dance after their meal.
Lita with her family.
Pippa up having a gig with the staff.
Tootsies Pre-school surprised us with a super box of goodies for each resident.
Sahlee with all the children from Tootsies. The children who the residents have got to know now, had brought a present for each resident. They were stacked high around the tree.
Joan opening her surprise box
Pippa and Joan examining their gifts
After all the festivities we relaxed with an afternoon of jigsaw puzzles. Everyone got involved.
Pam, Pippa and Jon
Joan, Pippa and Ruth get the puzzles ready.
Pam with Maxine
Pam and Ian have a natter while they work it out.