Christmas was magical at Newstead. We decked the halls early December and set too making mince pies and gingerbread biscuits. We enjoyed Christmas shopping trips out to The Works and Edinburgh Woollen Mill in Hereford, and were very touched by the support of the staff who helped residents access all the stores to do their Christmas shopping. We also wrapped up to visit the Churchill Gardens, Hereford to gather holly for our table decorations and wreaths. Lots of Christmas traditions and some new ones - residents took great delight in finding the Naughty elf each morning and hiding him again for the next person to find!
It was wonderful to have visits from the children of St James and St Francis schools, Hereford to sing carols to residents. And the children from Hampton Dene School came in to read to residents. You can see from the photos just how engaged both generations were. Their visits really brightened our residents days and that glow of happiness lasted long after the children had gone home.
We got into the Christmas spirit with Meg's Christmas Singalong, a Christmas concert from Ian and Christingle Service for family and friends. And Christmas would not be Christmas without a visit from Santa on Christmas morning, before a delicious turkey lunch.
We welcomed in 2025 with a fabulous afternoon party on New Year's Eve. We popped the prosecco and there were beers for the gents. Lots of singing and dancing with a beautiful performance from our lovely Emily.
Coming up in 2025.....
In January we have 2 musical entertainers (one being Ian James back by popular demand) coming in, so we can sing away any January blues. Pentre Farm are also visiting with a range of smaller animals that residents can hold and some of their larger four legged friends. We round off the month on the 31st with a special Romanian Day with traditional foods made by our Mihalea, head of housekeeping.
In February, we are making plans for a Valentines tea for residents and their families. We have more musical entertainment on 13th& 20th provided by MusiCare. Also we hope to resume day trips in and around Hereford, starting with a visit to St Michael’s Hospice charity shop for a look around and some lunch.