HILL HOUSE ‘HAPPY HALCYON DAYS’ DIARY
August 2015
This month’s theme was ‘Around the World in 31 days!’ featuring South Africa, then Italy and finally Australia. Over the course of the month we have sampled the food, heard the music, and learnt about these countries and their unique cultures. Activities have also included themed quizzes and word searches on Africa, Italy and Australia. Our very own Louis from South Africa as well as residents and their families have also enjoyed relating information and reminiscing about their own experience when they have visited or even lived in one of these wonderful countries.
Wednesday 5th August
Residents enjoyed singing and moving to Barbara Raynor in her regular ‘Singing for the Brain’ session. This helped to stimulate good positive memories through singing and dancing.
Friday 8th August
As part of this month’s theme ‘Around the World in 31 days!’ residents enjoyed a tea party celebrating all things South African. The afternoon commenced with our very own Louis greeting everyone in Afrikaans, and this was followed by an interesting talk about a little of the culture and history of South Africa. This was followed by a lively and amusing demonstration of the famous South African ‘Gum Boot’ dance. 
Then our dear Louis played the piano and Hill House staff sang the beautiful Zulu lullaby ‘Tula Tula’.
Finally the tempo was increased with a lively demonstration of the traditional and very melodic ‘Pata Pata’ dance. This got everyone moving to the African beat!
At tea, residents had the chance to sample South African milk tart and ‘Koeksisters’ (similar to ‘Yum Yums.’) Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their little ‘Taste’ of Africa!
Friday 14th August
Vicar Tara led the Hill House residents in the regular monthly church service, with prayers and hymns, and enjoyed tea and a chat with our residents afterwards.
Friday 21st August
As part of this month’s continuing theme ‘Around the World in 31 days!’ the residents enjoyed an Italian inspired lunch of Spaghetti Bolognese followed by Tiramisu.
In the afternoon residents attended the Italian themed tea party; they learnt a little about some of the most famous Italian landmarks including the Coliseum and the Trevi fountain, as well as Vesuvius and Pompeii. Then they enjoyed a demonstration of the ‘Tarantella Napolitana’ or ‘Dance of the Spider!’ They learnt a little more about some famous landmarks in Italy such as St. Peters in the Vatican City, as well as Venice and then enjoyed a demonstration of the Tarantella ‘Funiculi Funicula’. 
Some residents quickly found their feet and joined in as they enjoyed the infectious rhythms of the folk music being played! 
Finally, residents enjoyed drinking a refreshing glass of Italian red and white wine, followed by listening , singing along, clapping and dancing to famous old and more contemporary Italian music sung by Pavarotti, Dean Martin and many others.
Friday 28th August
As a finale to our month travelling around the world and visiting different countries, this week we visited Australia. During the morning residents learnt a little about some of Australia’s best known landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, The Harbour bridge, Great Barrier Reef and Ayers Rock.
During the afternoon residents were entertained by the very lively ‘Jonti Duo’ singers, whilst activity co-ordinators dressed Australian style in hats with corks and ‘Crocodile Dundee’ garb which amused everyone! Residents sang and danced the afternoon away to a mix of music including ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and some other well-known favourites.
As well as these activities, residents went out to their favourite local the Tweseldown Pub in Fleet for a round of social drinks. On top of this they also visited Redfields Garden Centre for a cake, tea and some shopping.