August’s theme was ‘Around the World Cruise’ reflecting the onset of the summer holidays with children having broken up from school and people off on their holiday to destinations in Britain as well as further afield. For our residents, here at Hill House, we spent a week reminiscing, singing seaside inspired songs and recalling British seaside holidays, before the good ship ‘SS Hill House’ (which was on display on our Summer themed table) set sail for France, Italy, Poland and ultimately Nepal. Residents enjoyed themed afternoons with facts, quizzes, music, dancing and tasting for all these destinations as you will read!!……
On the sunny afternoon of Friday 4th August residents enjoyed a British seaside themed afternoon. This included a jolly seaside sing-a-long, shanties and poems with a nautical, inspired theme, before all enjoying delicious ice-cream waffle cones.
Following lunch on Monday 7th August residents enjoyed a taste of France with ‘Bonjour France!’ afternoon. Residents enjoyed a quiz with facts about France and enjoyed seeing some images of famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc De Triomphe. Whilst this was happening residents enjoyed a French cheese and wine tasting party with French chocolate brioche too. The afternoon concluded with French music.
On the afternoon of Tuesday 8th August, it was ‘Ciao Italia!’ with an Italian themed afternoon. Residents enjoyed a demonstration of the traditional Italian dances the ‘Tarantella’ dance and ‘Funiculi Funicula’ This was followed by an Italian quiz with pictures of the main landmarks. Residents enjoyed Italian wine and ‘Cherry Genoa’ cake with tea to finish, before enjoying some Italian operatic music by Pavarotti amongst others.
On the afternoon of Wednesday 9th August residents came together for the monthly ‘Singing for the Brain’ session with Barbara. As always it was a lively musical event where residents sang along to songs such as ‘If I knew you were Coming I’d baked a cake!’ and ‘My Grandfathers’ Clock’ and many followed the actions to the songs too. The afternoon concluded with tea and homemade cakes.
On the afternoon of Thursday 10th August, it was ‘Witam Polsce!’ or Hello Poland afternoon. Residents learnt some unusual and fascinating facts about Poland with pictures of interest and discussion with Grace – one of our lovely Polish carers. After this resident sampled Polish sweetbread and pineapple cake, which was baked by Grace and everyone agreed was utterly delicious!
On the morning of Friday 11th August, a group of residents travelled to Redfields Garden Centre, Church Crookham. Here they enjoyed a very pleasant stroll both inside amongst the extensive gift and houseplant display, as well as outside in the plant nursery area. The group joined residents from our other two homes for tea, coffee, biscuits and cakes in the lovely restaurant afterwards.
During the afternoon of Friday 11th August, it was ‘Namaste Nepal!’ or ‘Hello Nepal’ afternoon. A group of our lovely Nepalese colleagues, young daughter (and activities staff) all dressed in beautiful, traditional costume delighted residents with a display of traditional Nepalese dance. It was a lively, colourful and exotic display that got everyone clapping, and at the end, even joining in with the special group dance finale. The afternoon’s proceedings concluded with tea and homemade cake. All in all it was an afternoon very much enjoyed by residents and visiting relatives alike!
On the morning of Friday 18th August, a group of residents and some relatives travelled by taxi to the Wyvern Public House in Crookham Village. There had been a short, sharp shower but thankfully by the time of arrival the sun had come out again and the skies were blue. Once inside residents enjoyed freshly made coffee and tea and an alcoholic beverage if that was their preferred choice! They had a good chat and a laugh with residents from all three homes that were also present, before returning just in time for a Friday fish n’ chip lunch back at the home.
On the sunny afternoon of Thursday 24th August a small group of residents travelled by taxi to attend the Ewshot Summer Tea Party at the village hall, Ewshot. When the residents arrived, they were warmly greeted at the door and seated in the village hall which was festooned in bunting and prettily decorated all in pink ready for the tea. A delicious tea was served with wonderful homemade cakes, and the tea and coffee flowed. Hill House residents sat with residents from Hillbrow and enjoyed a chat and laugh with each other, as well as talking to the Ewshot villagers. The group returned home happy after a very enjoyable afternoon indeed!
On the morning of Friday 25th August, a group of residents travelled to Badshot Lea Garden Centre. Here they enjoyed a stroll amongst the many colourful flora displays, marvelling at the exotic orchid and lemon and orange trees, before going to look at the pet area. They loved the rabbits and guinea pigs, the many colourful fish in the aquarium display but not so sure about the snakes and other reptiles! After a good walk around the residents joined residents from the other two homes for tea, coffee, cakes and cookies in the café. The group returned home just in time for a fish and chip lunch.
