February’s theme was ‘Hearts and Flowers’ reflecting Valentine’s Day on the 14th of the month and the arrival of the first spring flowers.
On Wednesday 1st February Hill House welcomed Nev and Claire, a singing duo with guitar accompaniment. Residents from across all three homes were soon singing along to old favourites such as ‘My Old Man…’ and ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’, as well as laughing at some of the jokes and stories told between the songs. They particularly enjoyed the comical song not heard so often nowadays called ‘When Father Painted the Parlour’ which had everyone clapping and some even dancing along. The musical afternoon concluded with tea and homemade cakes and it’s fair to say a good time was had by all as the positive comments from the residents after the event, clearly demonstrated!
On Friday 3rd February a group of lady residents travelled by taxi to Fleet to enjoy coffee in the town centre. They met with residents from the other two homes where they enjoyed a slice of delicious Victoria Sponge with tea and coffee as well as a nice chat.
On Wednesday 8th February the monthly church service with Holy Communion, took place at Hill House. Vicar Tara played some uplifting hymns which residents sang along to and afterwards chatted with various residents over a nice cup of tea.
During the afternoon of the same day, residents from all three homes came together at Hill House for ‘Singing for the Brain.’ They were soon singing along to old favourites such as ‘When The Saints Go Marching On’ and the comical ‘Banana Boat Song’ as well as trying to do the various accompanying hand movements! It was a very enjoyable afternoon that concluded with tea and homemade cakes.
On the afternoon of Friday 10th February residents from all three homes came together at Hill House for an early Valentine’s celebration party with musical entertainment. They were treated to a very lively performance by the wonderful ‘Jonti Duo’ singers. In a very short time everyone was singing and in many cases dancing along to some much loved songs. These included some classic Tom Jones and Engel Bert Humperdinck songs, as well as some upbeat rock ‘n roll numbers such as ‘Rock Around the Clock’ to name but a few. Everyone spent an exceedingly enjoyable and entertaining afternoon, as demonstrated by the many positive comments received afterwards both from residents and many of their relatives.
On Valentine’s Day itself residents enjoyed a quiz all about Valentine’s day, traditions and history during the morning. In the afternoon, they adored eating special Valentine’s treats, fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate, pink iced cupcakes and heart-shaped chocolate lollipops.
On the morning of Friday 17th February a group of residents and a relative met with some other residents from Hill Brow and Woodlands at the Wyvern Public House, Church Crookham. There they were greeted with freshly made coffee and tea, biscuits, as well as beer, sherry or wine if they wanted it! Soon the group were enjoying a lively chat and a laugh. Residents returned at 12.00 just in time for their lunch.
On a bright sunny, albeit a little chilly Friday morning – 24th February, residents travelled to Redfields Garden Centre. There they enjoyed a stroll amongst the many gift ranges on display before going out to the covered area to see the beautiful spring flower display. They enjoyed looking at the many colourful primroses and narcissi before joining residents from our other two homes in the lovely restaurant. The assembled group then enjoyed a good chat and reminiscence discussion over coffee, tea, cookies, and cakes!
On Tuesday 28th February residents celebrated Shrove Tuesday ‘Pancake Day.’ The origin of Shrove Tuesday and its holy significance were discussed first. Then residents were soon being delighted by the antics of staff tossing pancakes high up to the ceiling with, it has to be said, a lot of skill! Some residents then really got hands on and decorated their very own pancakes with sweets and different fruits, after which they needed no encouragement at all to enjoy eating them!
