It's been lovely to be outside as much as possible enjoying our garden through the summer. We have had all the tables, chairs and parasols out of the summer house, plus our giant Connect Four and other games. Perfect at our regular garden parties, with summer refreshments and visiting family and friends.
We are now looking ahead to the autumn. We have lots planned, so pencils sharpened at the ready.....
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We enjoyed the Wimbledon fortnight, especially our strawberry afternoon tea. We also celebrated World Chocolate Day and of course, we marked National Prosecco Day in the only way possible! Lots of giggling at corks being popped and flying across the garden!
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There has been lots of chat about the summer sport and we followed avidly the successes of our Olympians. We had a mini-Olympics of our own with bowling, ball games, grounded parachuting and a favourite, ice cream eating! Hurray for the ice-cream van visiting!
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We rounded off the summer by bringing the seaside to Astley. Lots of sand so residents could build sandcastles with the buckets and spades. We had a paddling pool and fun games, including hoopla with an inflatable cactus. And lots of refreshing drinks, snacks and ice creams. Everyone wore floral garlands and straw skirts. Such a fun day and thank you to all our staffing team who joined in the fun.
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The Good Day Farm came to visit and brought all sorts of animals. There were pigs, goats, lambs, chickens, ducks, Guinea pigs, their dog and a tortoise. Laura and Emily set up a mini farm with hurdle pens in our garden. Some residents loved being outside amongst the animals in spite of the drizzly weather. Laura and Emily also took the animals indoors to meet residents in the lounge or in their rooms.
We are used to seeing lambs gambolling in fields, but it’s not often you get to cuddle one. Our residents had that treat by their bedsides – such a special experience. Mirabelle was an 8-week-old lamb and has been hand reared so was very tame and affectionate. She lives in her owner’s kitchen, so is also pretty housetrained!
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Thank you to Corrie for kindly gifting us an old Lavette oak-cased gramophone. It has brought so much joy and reminiscing for our residents. Especially winding up the gramophone and positioning the needle on each record (very carefully!) and then – the favourite memory – the crackling before the music begins, that only an old gramophone can make. There have been some lovely magic moments with residents.
Music is always a wonderful way to connect – thank you also to Kim for more fun afternoons of musical entertainment, singing and dancing.
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We threw a farewell party for Nirosha. We are sad to see her go but are thankful she has been part of our Astley family and wish her every success for the future.
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Our residents love seeing the Debutots children and hearing their stories. Now we are into the new school term we have resumed our sessions with them. In their first visit we had a lovely story about a mole that lived in a hole. Lots of actions, props and puppets, the bubble machine, fun and laughter.
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September and October events and activities
We have a weekly diary which includes regular activities such as our Friday sing-alongs, film club, book club, gardening club, baking, salon and pampering time, Church services, art and crafts, sensory and art therapy, fitness sessions and one to one time.
We have a couple of singers coming in on different days and Kim bringing us his regular music therapy. Debutots are visiting us again and we have been in touch with the local infant school and await dates for them to visit to sing for us. A cheese and wine afternoon is planned and we have Halloween arts and crafts in the run up to our Halloween party.
Dare we say, but Christmas plans are also starting to take shape! Our staffing team are planning a pantomime for Christmas to put on for residents - Jack and the Beanstalk! We also hope to have the local school children visit to show us their nativity play.
Activities focus around our Heritage Manor ethos:
"You don’t stop having fun when you get old…..
You get old when you stop having fun"
The above is a snapshot of activities planned. For a full calendar of events, please contact our Lifestyle and Well-being team: AH-Lifestyle@heritagemanor.co.uk
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"With a new management team of Sarah and Lawrence in place at Astley, it has been great to see progress on a number of fronts. We are now very close to being fully staffed, and this has a really positive effect on the home.
We continue to invest significant sums into the home, some of which you may see first hand such as the refurbished ground floor lounge, and other investment is less visible, such as the brand new heating system ready for Winter.
As ever, any feedback is warmly welcomed, so that we can make Astley the most caring and warmest home in the area.”
Simon Patient, Managing Director of Heritage Manor
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We are open for admissions of new residents. This can be long stay or respite care to recuperate after time in hospital or a fall, to regain confidence and that zest for life. Check out our virtual tour.
https://www.facebook.com/astleyhallheritage/videos/227253652171674"
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You can keep in touch with all Astley news, photos, events and activities on Facebook or via the Heritage Manor website. Simply click the links below.
Best wishes from all the team at Astley.
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