We have been making the most of the great outdoors and glorious weather, finding ingenious ways to beat the heat! Our morning strolls are that bit earlier, before the day really hots up and we called in back up – thanks to Charluccio’s there were 99’s all round! Nothing says summer like the chimes of the ice cream van coming up the drive. It brough back lots of childhood memories for our residents.
We have a Heritage Manor group initiative to celebrate the outdoors and give residents access to fresh air and nature as much as possible. Everything from Walks for Wellbeing, to Gardening Club, to simply taking a moment on a bench with a companion. We have also been bringing in nature: Our lady residents have been enjoying flower arranging and the Perspex bird feeders that clip to the windows have a constant flurry of activity.
There has been musical entertainment from Marianne who visited to play her accordion and Alex Southgate is back by popular demand this June. We enjoyed tasting lots of biscuits on National Biscuit Day – any excuse! Everyone’s favourite was a Jaffa cake (though technically not a biscuit!)
We marked the anniversary of D Day with an afternoon tea and a special commemorative sermon from Rev. Walker. We have set up a poetry board with a weekly input of poems to read, all suggested by residents, including William Wordsworth and Rudyard Kipling to name a couple. Our ladies have also been enjoying relaxing beauty treatments with hand massages and manicures.
We are enjoying the Wimbledon fortnight, with the tennis always on in the background and lots of strawberries and cream and Pimms on offer. Kiddleydivey are keeping us in shape through the summer, with balloon tennis and gentle stretching seated exercise routines. And we have visits from Libby of Musical Moments.
Following the success of our Grand National Day, we followed Royal Ascot. Everyone wore their finest for our Ladies Day afternoon tea, with all our vintage china and we had a sweepstake on the races.
We also had a retirement party for our maintenance man Mark, who is retiring. A huge thanks to Mark for all his hard work throughout his time with us. We have welcomed Paul to the Abberton team, as our new head of maintenance.
Intergenerational fun
The Langenhoe school children joined us for their final visit of the school term. It has been wonderful to get to know the children and they have been so engaging with our residents – a real credit to their school and families. Residents were really touched that the children gave them handmade farewell cards and posters. They watered the sunflowers they had planted together and all the veggie plants, which are coming along nicely.
Our Summer Fete
Coming up we also have our Summer Fete on 19thJuly from 1-5pm. There will be displays from DC School of Dance and The Tendring Agility Dog Group. Plus, games, stalls, a BBQ and refreshments. For more information, or to donate prizes or run a stall, please contact our Lifestyle and Wellbeing lead Denise AM-Lifestyle@heritagemanor.co.uk
Coming up in August
In August, we have a pamper afternoon planned for our ladies, with hand massages and manicures. We have also started a Beer Club for the gents and it is lovely to see them focused on playing dominoes, whilst enjoying he beer and bar snacks. Lots of footie chat too.
Our Residents Meetings are now monthly, with family and friends always welcome. And we are having a Sushi Day in August, especially for one of our residents who is a big fan, and others who want to join, or try something new.