From exciting excursions on traditional steam trains to Orient Express-themed experiences, Travels by Rail Week has been an adventure for all. In between themed activities, many of the residents took the time to indulge in their various creative endeavours and crafts. The week was well-rounded, with crafts, music, exercise and entertainment.
On Monday morning in the garden view lounge, some of us played giant board games while others participated in knitting and sewing club. Upstairs, we competed fiercely at a game of giant snakes and ladders. Downstairs, we sat out in the garden working away at our various crafts, such as knitting and embroidery.
In the main lounge, we spent the morning playing collaborative whiteboard games. By working together, we completed the A-Z of Transport, though some of us opted to engage with our own individual pursuits such as puzzling.
In the afternoon, we all enjoyed our own outdoor summer tea parties in our respective lounges. Both tea parties were kitted out with tea, coffee, squash and soft drinks as temperatures soared on this sunny afternoon.
On Tuesday morning, we each had our own hobbies to pursue. Some of us rolled up our sleeves with some drawing and painting, others worked together on some puzzles.
On Tuesday afternoon, we sat outside in the sun playing a travel-themed game of bingo. Afterwards, we stretched our muscles during a group physiotherapy session.
On Wednesday morning, some of us went out to ride the Watercress Line. We boarded a real working steam train and enjoyed a traditional rail experience.
The rest of us challenged our intellect with a giant crossword, which we completed as a team.
In the afternoon, those of us in the main lounge gathered together for knit and natter club. Some crocheted, while others knitted. It was lovely to spend time doing something both creative and social.
In the garden view lounge, we enjoyed the powerful effects of music therapy. We sang, danced, clapped and played instruments while the therapist used music to help us engage with the world in unique ways.
On Thursday morning, those of us in the main lounge participated in Louise’s weekly flower-arranging club. Our creativity really shone through in the beautiful arrangements that we created over the course of the morning.
Meanwhile in the garden view lounge, we enjoyed a peaceful morning of therapeutic colouring. The pictures were themed to celebrate VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day). Others worked away at a cross-stitch project with some assistance from the carers and activities coordinators.
In the afternoon, we all came together to be an audience to the lovely Rosie, who sang and danced for our entertainment. She performed a variety of songs for us, including ‘Country Road’ and ‘I’m a Believer.’ We sang along and some of us got up and danced! It was a very exciting afternoon.
On Saturday morning, we got together to participate in a group quiz. It was very gratifying to put our knowledge to the test, and between us we discovered that we knew an awful lot!
Saturday also marked one of our lovely ladies birthday, which was celebrated enthusiastically by all of us here at Hill House.
On Sunday, a live-streamed church service was available to anyone who was inclined to participate.
Meanwhile, in the garden view lounge, Caroline treated us to a dementia-friendly service. It was a morning of joyful hymns and other religious music that inspired us to sing and dance together.
In the afternoon, the cooking club whipped up some fruit smoothies for us all to enjoy.
Sunday also marked another one of our lovely ladies birthday, which was celebrated joyfully by the household and her husband.
