We have had a fun week, full of Irish themed activities from gold coin toss, leprechaun skittles, a trolley of Irish coffee, Baileys and Guinness and with the rain falling outside it gave us a chance to look for pots of gold at the end of the rainbow!!
On St Patricks Day itself we had a traditional Irish lunch of stew, cabbage and bacon followed by an Irish themed afternoon tea. Our Leprechaun mascot, Murphy, oversaw all our events and was very pleased to be included. We also celebrated Mother’s Day on Sunday with a trolley serving champagne and sherry, along with chocolates for all our amazing ladies.
Monday 13 March, our wonderful music therapist held some workshops with our residents. Working in small groups they tapped out rhythms on drums and shook bells whilst singing along.
We played balloon bounce, which is always great fun as we stretch and reach for the balloon never knowing where it will end up.
In the afternoon we enjoyed an afternoon tea on all floors. A chance to sit together and chat, it is lovely when our families join us as well.
Tuesday 14 March, Irish legend says there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, well we found some gold coins and turned it into a game of gold coin toss.
In the afternoon we enjoyed a visit from one of our favourite performers – Natasha. She sang, danced and really brightened our afternoon. It was one of our residents’ birthdays so ‘Happy Birthday’ was sung by Natasha and a cake was presented by our wonderful chef.
Wednesday 15 March, one of our regular visitors Father John from the Badshot Lea and Hale parish came for a chat with our residents and offered spiritual support. Some of our ‘arty’ ladies made leprechauns from paper plates.
In the afternoon another tea party was held.
Another birthday to celebrate, we gathered around to sing “Happy Birthday” and presented the birthday gentleman with a delicious birthday cake.
Thursday 16 March, after early morning walks we held a little quiz in our activities room. The theme was ‘Green’ in honour of the Emerald Isle, and it certainly had us working together as we tried to think of green vegetables, green insects and song titles with the colour green in them.
In the afternoon we enjoyed flower arranging together. So many lovely flowers and it’s a great opportunity to make new friends with residents from other floors in Farnham Mill.
Friday 17 March – St Patricks Day – and our mascot, Murphy, enjoyed going around meeting residents, wishing them Happy St Patrick’s Day, they in turn read Irish blessings to him before they were served a delicious lunch of Irish stew with cabbage and bacon.
In the afternoon residents joined together for an Irish themed afternoon tea – of course, Murphy was centre stage!
Saturday 18 March, some residents started the day relaxing while painting, others played Irish skittles. We had fun knocking over the “Wee Leprechauns.”
In the afternoon an ‘Irish Themed Drinks Trolley’ toured the home visiting residents serving Guinness, Baileys and Irish Coffee. It was very popular with residents, and they loved the creamy Irish coffee the best. Murphy, yet again, made sure we left some Guinness for him!
Sunday 19 March – Mothering Sunday – after a walk outside, where we saw the heron fishing for his breakfast, a special trolley toured the home giving all our wonderful ladies a glass of Champagne, Bucks Fizz or Sherry, along with a special bar of chocolate as a treat. There were so many family visits as well, it was a very busy home.
In the afternoon, after a delicious roast beef lunch with all the trimmings, our Farnham Mill library visited residents’ rooms and the lounges to see if anyone needed any reading material. This week we had puzzle books to hand out.
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