This months theme was ‘April Showers’ reflecting the onset of a new Spring, although you would have been forgiven for thinking it was still very much Winter with the extremely cold weather and abundance of snow, sleet and rain we have experienced over the course of the month. Despite this though there were signs Spring was well and truly on its way, the grass in front of Hill House was carpeted with beautiful golden crocuses, there were ‘Hosts of Golden Daffodils’ at last coming out and birds busy nesting in the trees in our grounds!
On the morning of Friday 6th April a group of residents enjoyed a trip on a bright day to the Emporium in Fleet. Here they met with residents from our two other homes and enjoyed freshly brewed coffee, tea, Victoria sponge cake and potato crisps. Some even enjoyed a shandy, glass of wine or sherry if they desired! It was a lively group and soon residents were chatting and having a laugh as they relaxed in each other’s company. The time went all too soon and it was 12 o’clock, time to return home for fish and chips for Friday lunch. On the way back spirits uplifted, residents even enjoyed a sing-song in the back of the taxi!
On the morning of Friday 13th April a group of residents travelled by taxi to Redfields Garden Centre, Church Crookham. Here they first enjoyed a walk amongst the lovely houseplants display, including the tropical orchids, orange and lemon trees, before venturing outside to the glass house area. Spring flowers were in abundance, daffodils, narcissi, hyacinth and primula as well as early bedding plants such as colourful ‘Busy Lizzies’. After a good stroll the group then met up with residents from our two other homes for fresh coffee, tea and biscuits in the lovely restaurant area. The group were soon all chatting, laughing and enjoying the refreshments. The group returned to the home just in time for Friday lunch, happy and bright after their excursion.
On the morning of Friday 20th April a group of residents travelled by taxi to the Wyvern Public House in Crookham village. It was a beautiful day (the warmest April day since 1949 they said!) and the residents enjoyed the sunshine as they left the home. Once at the pub they met with residents from our two other homes and were soon enjoying freshly brewed coffee, tea, as well as wine, beer or sherry if they preferred! Along with this they enjoyed a few snacks as they had a chat and laugh with friends old and new. Too soon it was time to come back so as not to be late for Friday’s fish n’ chip luncheon.
During the afternoon of Friday 20th April residents enjoyed a musical treat performed by Terry Owens. Terry, an old friend of resident Ron Rafferty, entertained everyone with his ‘Afternoon Cabaret’ of different songs from yesteryear. During the performance he interviewed a number of residents and paid special tribute to the footballing career of his old friend Ron. Ron was very moved by this and it even brought a tear to his eye as he listened to Terry speak and sing to him! Everyone was soon singing, and in some cases, even dancing along to the musical performance. Afterwards the audience enjoyed tea, coffee and homemade cakes. It is fair to say it was very much enjoyed by everyone present!
On Monday 23rd April our residents celebrated St. George’s Day. During the morning residents enjoyed a themed quiz on St. George’s Day encompassing all things English, then in the afternoon residents from across the home came together for a St. George’s Day tea party. Here they enjoyed some St. George’s Day facts and legend, as well as some poetry in celebration of the Saint’s day. They enjoyed drinking sherry and wine, along with cheese, biscuits, grapes and quince jelly. They enjoyed delicious sweet treats such as cinnamon soaked ‘Golden Slices’, lemon cream wafers and a very patriotic iced sponge cake with the George cross upon it! They also listened to a compilation of traditional English music including ‘There’ll Always be an England!’ and other patriotic tunes.
On the evening of Wednesday 25th April Woodlands hosted the quarterly quiz for our charity ‘Families Supporting Care.’ The different teams of residents, relatives and staff pitted their wits against each other in a very keenly contested night with, it has to say, some challenging questions. Participants enjoyed wine, soft drinks and a selection of delicious refreshments. After a closely fought contest a team called “The Goat Kids” won, and at the same time raised £265, which were kindly doubled by the Lee family.
On the morning of Friday 27th April a group of residents and one relative travelled by taxi to Badshot Lea Garden Centre. They enjoyed seeing the colourful fish in the aquatic area, the rabbits and guinea pigs as well as the reptiles in the pet area. They strolled amongst the seasonal displays of Spring flowers, gardening accessories and gifts before heading for the restaurant. Once comfortably seated in the restaurant, residents enjoyed a chat over freshly brewed tea and coffee as well cakes. The group returned after a very pleasant visit indeed in time for a Friday lunch of fish n’ chips!
On the same evening of Friday 27th April, Hill House welcomed our old friends back ‘The Carillon Singers’ for an eagerly awaited ‘Spring and St. George’s’ themed concert. Residents from across all three homes and relatives came together and enjoyed a diverse selection of musical pieces from ‘Where the Gentle Avon Flows’ to ‘Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair’ as well as community singing including the very patriotic ‘Jerusalem,’ ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ and even ‘Rule Britannia!’ The musical event complete with Union Jack flag waving was rousing and lively, very well attended and much enjoyed by all!
