We’ve had a very busy week travelling back in time to the Regency period when Jane Austen was writing her novels. We learnt such a lot about her when we had an afternoon tea with quiz, and a lovely trip out to Chawton to see her house and visit a quaint little tearoom opposite. We even had the opportunity to experience Royal Ascot when our wonderful activities team arranged for Alison’s ponies to visit us in the morning and then we enjoyed a themed Royal Ascot afternoon tea with our families and the wonderful Jayney performed for us in the sunshine. It’s been a very memorable week at Farnham Mill.
Monday 19 June, our music therapist held a wonderful group session with our residents where they tapped, clapped, and sang along with her. It really is great for our residents to have time with a professional therapist and be able to use percussion instruments with her. Laura also does a couple of one-to-one therapy sessions with residents.
Meanwhile a word game was being held on the ground floor and as it was Jane Austen week, we tried to see how many words we could make from one of her most famous novels – “Pride and Prejudice”. We were very proud of finding 120 words before lunch.
In the afternoon Susie, one of our volunteers, held a Jane Austen quiz whilst residents enjoyed an afternoon tea. We didn’t realise that Jane Austen featured on the back of a £10 note so were all keen to have a look.
Tuesday 20 June, our hair salon was very busy with the ladies getting their hair done by the lovely Teresa. Its always a place full of chatter and laughter.
Lots of exercise was taking place around the home with balloon tennis – preparations for Wimbledon.
In the afternoon we were lucky to be able to host a 70th wedding anniversary party for two of our residents. They enjoyed an afternoon tea with their family on our balcony. We all wished them congratulations and wanted to know their secret for a happy and long marriage.
Wednesday 21 June, some residents from Farnham Mill joined a group from Hill House and popped down to Chawton to have a look at Jane Austen’s house. Chawton is such a quaint little village with lovely, thatched cottages and with the sun shining it was lovely to be able to have a walk around. We even spent some time talking to a local resident as he was trying to tidy up his climbing rose. He was able to tell us all about his cottage; when the thatched roof was last re-done and how low his ceilings are. We then visited a lovely little tearoom where we enjoyed a nice cuppa and admired the pretty teacups hanging from the ceiling. Even the roses on the table had been knitted. With new friendships made we then headed back home for a tasty roast dinner.
In the afternoon we relaxed, chatting to students from Lord Wandsworth College and taking walks in the garden. It’s so lovely to be able to enjoy this weather in the garden and keep an eye on the ducks and ducklings.
Thursday 22 June, we were back playing balloon games – it really is a fun way to exercise. We also relaxed with hand massages.
We enjoyed flower arranging in the afternoon on the balcony, it’s a great way to meet other residents and enjoy a chat, afternoon tea is always served afterwards.
Friday 23 June, in the morning residents gathered together for a Jane Austen quiz. So many new things were learnt, including that her name never went on her books as the author until after her death.
In the afternoon, we all needed to cool down and our regular ice cream trolley toured the home handing out ice lollies and tubs of ice cream.
Saturday 24 June, it was our special Royal Ascot theme day. We were extremely lucky to be able to sit outside in the sunshine with beautiful hats on as Alison’s lovely ponies came to see us. Matilda and Daniel were extremely well behaved as residents were able to stroke and feed them carrots. They were very patient as residents wanted more and more time with them. They also visited residents in their rooms – it was an unusual sight seeing them coming out of the lift and walking along the corridors!
In the afternoon, we invited families to join us for a performance from one of our favourite singers, Jayney, followed by afternoon tea. We all dressed up and enjoyed singing along, dancing and working up an appetite for a traditional afternoon tea – tasty sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, finished off with cake. Although there was plenty of tea brewed more people were having cold soft drinks as it was so hot, we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Sunday 25 June, after such a successful party on Saturday we all had a much slower and relaxing Sunday. Garden walks and an afternoon showing of Pride and Prejudice. The perfect end to our Jane Austen week.
