It has been a wonderful December at Farnham Mill. Along with our normal full activities programme of trips out, entertainers coming to the home, quiz’s, games etc. we also had a full Festive programme with arts and crafts, visits out to see Christmas lights and special guests entertaining.
We started the month with a visit from the gorgeous little boys and girls from Tootsies Nursery School. The residents love the children’s chatter while they play games and do crafts.
In the afternoon we had one of our regular visits from the Greyhound rescue.
This was followed by a Christmas Song Quiz. We had to guess the title of what our wonderful activities team were singing.
The fabulous Rebecca sang for us on 3rd. Some of the us just couldn’t resist getting up for a dance.
For our Arts and Crafts class on the morning of the 4th we made some Christmas Table Decorations.
Memory Lane Singer Paul came and entertained us, singing along with his guitar, on the 2nd floor.
Thursday the 5th the local Cubs visited with the us. They enjoy asking questions and telling the residents all about their other activities and playing board games.
On the 6th, Roger with all is different wigs, hats and jackets to mimic the singer he is impersonating is very entertaining to watch.
Our lovely residents chose to paint for the art session on the 7th. This was very relaxing with music playing in the back ground.
The much awaited, Tim Straker Christmas Music and Brass Quartet put on a fantastic production on the 7th.
After the Grand Christmas Quiz on Monday, Connie from Pat the Dog visited. We are not sure who is loves the fuss more the residents or Connie.
After lunch we had one on one sessions with the carers and activities team. This time is when we can really get to know each other better and where better place than the excellent sensory room.
Tuesday the 10th we got together to make Christmas wreaths. There was tinsel and glitter of every colour.
The very clever young men from More House came a did some Bell Ringing. They had obviously practiced a lot as they were very good.
Wendy Edwards was joined by some of her congregation for a carol service with us on the 11th.
In the afternoon the pupils from Farnham Heath End School helped make some Christmas Garlands. We got a bit carried away as they could loop around the room when we were finished.
Our weekly trip out this week was to Bagshot Lea Garden Centre. Although the Christmas displays were wonderful, we just love looking around the pets and fish section before a deserved cup of tea in their café.
Gareth is one of our much loved, regular crooners. It was great good to see him on the 12th.
Friday the 13th, not unlucky for us, started with our Cookery and Baking Club making mince pies. The lovely smell filled the home.
Natasha from Get Happy sang for us on the 13th. She is very energetic and we had to have a dance too.
In the evening we popped into the minibus and went to look at the local Christmas lights. Some of the houses looked spectacular.
On Saturday the Wey Valley Choir performed for residents, friends and family. They looked and sounded smashing in their Christmas jumpers.
The Greyhound was looking very festive with Santa on his back for this visit on the 16th.
The Interactive Activity Centre is almost always in use somewhere in the home. It is just so versatile with so many games and applications to choose from.
On Tuesday the 17th we had our Farnham Mill Christmas lunch, Christmas jumper day and visit from Santa. Thank you to all the kitchen staff for the excellent food and to Santa for the gifts.
In the afternoon the staff sang Carols all around the home.
On Wednesday the 18th , we had our morning exercise club and on this occasion chose games with the giant Parachute. This brough out lots of giggles as we tried to control the ball or balloon.
In the afternoon we had a bit of relaxation time with the activities team and the carers before the Jonti Duo came to perform their lively routine.
Thursday the 19th our weekly trip out to the pub, was this time to the Princess Royal which was looking very Christmassy with all the twinkly lights.
We have buckets of fresh flowers delivered every week to the home and our Gardening and Flowering Club sort them out into stunning bouquet which are then distributed around the home.
We also had some music time when the activities team opened the box of assorted instruments. Everyone was encouraged to have a go at a Christmas tune.
Friday the 20th Shuffle Tunes Choir had us all joining in with actions to their songs. This one was once there was a snowman…tall tall tall!
Monday the 23rd we played table games in the morning.
While in the afternoon we had wine, cheese and biscuits.
During Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day the home was packed with the coming and going of residents to see their families and families coming in to see residents.
On Boxing Day we all opened our boxes of presents that the children of Tootsies Nursery had made of us. Bless them!
Friday we settled down to some traditional games from around the world.
Later in the day Stefano capped off the month, when he played his guitar and sang an excellent set for us.
