Farnham Mill was pleased to host its first ever dog show and by the end of the day we certainly agreed that it is to become an annual event. The whole week was planned around dog themed activities which included a Woof and Wags tea party along with a game of pin the bone on the dog. We made paper plate dogs to decorate the home, enjoyed a game of dog themed bingo and finished off the week with a matinee performance of Lassie.
Monday 8 May, the day started with morning exercise around the home. There were lots of stretches as we exercised along with music.
In the afternoon we all took part in a Woof and Wags tea party. Dogs were certainly the theme, our activities team wore dog masks and we played a game of ‘Pin the Bone on the Dog’. The tea and cakes were delicious as well and a great afternoon was enjoyed by everyone.
Tuesday 9 May, the pygmy goats visited Farnham Mill. Everyone got the chance to stroke and feed them treats. We love welcoming animals into the home as so many residents have had animals in their past whether they were pets or farm animals.
In the afternoon one of our favourite entertainers, Tony Allgood, came to perform for us. He certainly brought lots of smiles to our faces as he told stories as well as singing to us.
Wednesday 10 May, time for our monthly residents meeting. Residents enjoyed either a glass of sherry or cup of tea and were able to listen to Alison introduce new residents as well as new staff, and a time for residents to learn about future events that are planned. Staff receive Sunflower Awards for their kindness and dedication to residents. These awards are nominated by staff, residents and family members. Please tell reception if you would like to nominate a staff member.
Tinkerbell also visited residents after the meeting. She is our lovely Pets as Therapy dog, and it is wonderful to see her so frequently at Farnham Mill.
In the afternoon we got all ‘crafty’ and made dogs with paper plates. A couple of students from Lord Wandsworth College also visited us and helped as well. We were very pleased with the results and had them displayed around the home.
We also celebrated a lovely lady’s birthday and presented her with a delicious birthday cake and a visiting singer offered to sing one of her favourite songs.
Thursday 11 May, some residents worked on creating prize bags ready for the dog show. We enjoyed chatting together over a cup of tea and reminiscing about our own pet dogs.
In the afternoon it was time to welcome the dogs for our show. We had three esteemed judges, and their word was final. Awards were given out for Cutest Smile, Waggiest Tail, Best Trick, and the dog the Judges would most like to take home! Everyone thought the dogs behaved wonderfully and they all won a prize. We all agreed that it should become an annual fixture at Farnham Mill and we look forward to 2024.
After the show we celebrated a lovely lady’s birthday. She enjoyed opening a big pile of cards, a delivery of flowers, and of course, birthday cake.
Friday 12 May, was International Nurses Day, as we have some of the very best nurses at Farnham Mill, we decided they needed to be given a little treat. Residents helped to put gift bags together and then presented them to our nurses. We also honoured some of our residents who were nurses in their time.
We all enjoyed an afternoon tea party together and it was a great opportunity to meet new friends as well as old.
Saturday 13 May, we had a sweetie trolley visiting all floors and handing out sweets to everyone. There was something for everyone from jelly babies, banana chews, chocolate buttons and bars of chocolate. It was a great way to start the weekend.
In the afternoon it was time for a themed game of Bingo – obviously, this week it was ‘Dog Bingo’.
Sunday 14 May, in the morning we had a relaxing start to the day with our library trolley touring the home, some residents chose to watch a church service.
It’s been a very busy week with birthdays, and we celebrated another lovely lady’s birthday she enjoyed a special lunch with her friend. Our chef prepared a delicious lunch of smoked salmon sandwiches with her favourite lemon drizzle cake. She was delighted.
In the afternoon we thought the perfect way to end a dog themed week was to watch a Lassie film. It brought back many memories of our childhood as we used to watch Lassie on a Saturday morning. What a great way to end a very busy week.
Please follow and like the daily posts we put on our Facebook page – Woodlands & Hill Brow Ltd. We do appreciate seeing ‘Likes’ on it.